Swallowing food or liquid can be difficult for a variety of reasons. One popular reason that individuals have difficulty swallowing is due to a condition called dysphagia. Dysphagia is simply a term for difficulty swallowing. There are a variety of different causes of dysphagia and symptoms depending on the specific type.
The swallowing mechanism is made up of many different muscles and ligaments. It is an intricate process which requires precise timing and muscle control. As a result, it's no surprise that sometimes things go wrong. Problems may range from difficulties chewing, to food getting stuck in the esophagus, to food or liquid entering the airway. It's important to first understand the causes and symptoms of dysphagia prior to considering treatment options.
Causes of Dysphagia
There are many different reasons why dysphagia may begin to exhibit itself. The first reason is a medical etiology originating from the brain, such as a stroke or MS. During these conditions, changes to brain functioning impacts muscle control of the swallowing muscles. As a result, weakened muscles may reduce the protections of the airway, causing food or drink to enter more easily.
Another condition that causes dysphagia is simply old age. Just like muscles for walking begin to weaken with age, muscles for swallowing weaken as well. The reaction to swallow begins to slow down, chewing muscles become tired more easily, and muscles that protect the airway begin to weaken as well. These are normal changes that occur with age.
This is only a short list of examples of conditions that may cause dysphagia. Dementia, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease and many other conditions may lead to dysphagia as well. Any condition that impacts the muscles of chewing or swallowing may lead to dysphagia.
Symptoms of Dysphagia
Just as the causes of dysphagia vary, the symptoms of dysphagia vary as well. Here are some examples:
- Dysphagia that occurs at the level of the mouth, called oral dysphagia, may manifest itself as food sticking to the lips, tongue or cheeks. Food or liquid may also leek from the front of the mouth.
- Dysphagia that occurs at the level of your windpipe may result in food or liquid entering the airway. Reduced protection for the airway, reduced strength of the swallowing mechanism, or uncoordinated timing may all result in food or liquid entering the airway. Symptoms of this include coughing or a choking feeling. Others do not feel anything at all.
- Dysphagia that occurs around the esophagus may also happen for a variety of reasons. Food may become stuck in the throat or food and liquid that has previously been swallowed come back up. Individuals who experience this commonly report a feeling of food sticking in the throat. Regurgitated food may also re-enter the mouth.
Treating Dysphagia
Treating dysphagia depends on the underlying condition that has caused it and severity and types of symptoms. One type of treatment is to change the consistency of food and drink that a person consumers. If they are having a difficult time with tough foods becoming stuck in the mouth or throat, then switching to a smoother consistency will solve many of the problems. If liquid is entering the airway or lungs, then thickening the consistency of the drink will often prevent this from happening.
A second type of treatment is changing postures for eating or conditions in which the person is eating. For example, strategies such as a chin tuck, where the person puts their chin down to their chest, can sometimes prevent food from entering the airway. Another strategy called a double swallow may allow food stuck in the esophagus to travel down to the stomach.
Other strategies such as alternating food and liquid, taking smaller bites and smaller sips, and only eating and drinking while sitting straight are also possibilities depending on the type and cause of dysphagia.
It is important that people do not try to treat their dysphagia at home as certain treatments can make certain symptoms worse. Individuals who have concerns about their swallow should visit a local doctor or speech therapist to administer treatment and talk about options.