How to Fix Dysphagia
There are currently 15 million Americans with dysphagia. Dysphagia refers to any condition where one of the symptoms is difficulty in swallowing. Below is a short guide to how dysphagia is diagnosed and how it can be treated.
Conditions Associated with Dysphagia
There are numerous conditions in which dysphagia is a symptom. For example, many cancers, such as esophageal cancer and cancer of the larynx result in swallowing problems. Infectious mononucleosis is another condition that presents with dysphagia. It is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Fortunately, once you have got it you will be immune to the virus.
Zenker’s diverticulum, another condition linked to dysphagia, is when a pouch forms between the top of the esophagus and the bottom of the throat. It happens because the cricopharyngeal muscle does not relax while swallowing. This muscle protects the lungs and airways from ingesting food.
Dysphagia can occur after a stroke or head injury which affects the nervous system. It can also appear in conjunction with dementia or multiple sclerosis. Another cause is gastroesophageal reflux disease as a result of stomach acid moving into the esophagus. Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition that results in a dry mouth and very little saliva.
Some children with cerebral palsy or another developmental disorder have dysphagia.
Diagnosing Dysphagia
Symptoms that occur with dysphagia are coughing or pain when trying to swallow, drooling, heartburn, hoarse voice, regurgitation, recurring bouts of pneumonia, losing weight, a feeling of something being stuck in the throat, shortness of breath, food being ejected via the nose, constantly clearing the throat, and difficulty eating solid food.
Diagnosis is made with x-rays after consuming a barium solution, endoscopy, fiber-optic endoscopic evaluation (FEES) using a camera and endoscope, manometry, imaging scans (MRI, CT), or a dynamic swallowing study in which you swallow foods of different sizes that have been coated with barium.
The two types of dysphagia are high dysphagia (oropharyngeal) and low dysphagia (esophageal). High dysphasia is diagnosed when the patient struggles to move food to the back of the mouth and begin the chewing process. Its cause is usually weak nerves and muscles following a neurological event or condition. Low dysphagia is characterized by food or liquid becoming stuck in the esophagus because of irritation or a blockage.
Treatment for Dysphagia
Dysphagia usually disappears about two weeks after a stroke or traumatic brain injury. If there isn’t a spontaneous recovery, rehabilitation teaches patients how to swallow again. A speech therapist will train the patient with special exercises. This rewires the brain through a process called neuroplasticity.
You may need to follow a special diet. This will include liquids that have been thickened to prevent you from choking. You can use a SimplyThick thickener to thicken your liquid intake as it does not interfere with taste. Chewing foods must be soft, such as mashed bananas. Avoid foods where the consistencies differ such as soup with pieces of vegetables. You should sit up straight while eating and consume your meal slowly. Other foods include smooth yogurt and desserts like custard, souffles, and pureed items.
In more severe cases, the doctor might suggest Botox injections or enlarging the esophagus with surgery. If the condition cannot be cured, you will have a feeding tube inserted.
See your doctor or go to the emergency room if you suddenly battle to swallow.
