What is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia is a medical term used to describe difficulty swallowing. This condition makes it hard for a person to move food or liquid from their mouth to their stomach. Dysphagia can affect anyone, but it is more common in older adults or people with certain medical conditions.

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty swallowing, it is important to seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Symptoms of Dysphagia

People with dysphagia may experience several symptoms. These can include:

● Painful Swallowing: Feeling pain or discomfort when swallowing food or liquids.
● Choking or Coughing: Coughing or choking while eating or drinking, which can happen because food or liquid is not moving properly.
● Feeling of Food Stuck: A sensation that food is stuck in the throat or chest.
● Drooling: Difficulty controlling saliva, which can lead to drooling.
● Change in Voice: A hoarse or gurgly voice after eating or drinking.
● Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying, often due to eating less because of difficulty swallowing.

Causes of Dysphagia

Dysphagia can be caused by various factors. Some common causes include:

● Neurological Disorders: Conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis can affect the nerves that control swallowing.
● Muscle Disorders: Diseases that weaken the muscles used for swallowing, such as muscular dystrophy, can lead to dysphagia.
● Esophageal Problems: Conditions affecting the esophagus, such as acid reflux, esophageal stricture (narrowing), or tumours, can make swallowing difficult.
● Ageing: As people get older, their swallowing muscles and reflexes can weaken, making swallowing harder.

Treatment of Dysphagia

Treating dysphagia depends on its cause. Some common treatments include:

● Swallowing Therapy: Consulting pathologists to improve swallowing techniques and exercises.
● Diet Changes: Modifying the diet to include softer or pureed foods and thickened liquids to make swallowing easier.
● Medications: Using medicines to treat conditions causing dysphagia, such as acid reflux or inflammation.
● Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to treat structural problems or remove blockages in the esophagus.

Dr. Kailash Mishra
Director & Gastroenterologist Consultant
Prime Gastro Liver Clinic