Dysphagia is having swallowing difficulty. It is common in the elderly population, but it can also strike at any age and can be associated with pain. When it comes to an occasional problem, such as incorrect chewing, it does not represent a cause for excessive worries. Sometimes, however, it is a persistent difficulty whose underlying medical condition requires specific treatment.
What kind of diseases can be associated with dysphagia?
Diseases that may be associated with dysphagia are the following:
- AIDS
- Amyloidosis
- Aortic aneurysm
- Botulism
- Bronchitis
- Sialolithiasis
- Candida
- Esophageal diverticula
- Ebola
- Hiatal hernia
- Esophagitis
- Pharyngitis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Gastritis
- Goiter
- Laryngitis
- Chagas disease
- Wilson disease
- Myasthenia gravis
- Mononucleosis
- Parkinson's disease
- Cleft palate
- Mumps
- Pemphigus vulgaris
- Poliomyelitis
- Anger
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Scleroderma
- Multiple sclerosis
- Sjögren's syndrome
- Tetanus
- Tonsillitis
- Tracheitis
- Stomach cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Cancer of the salivary glands
- Cancers of the larynx
- Peptic ulcer
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for dysphagia?
The best remedy in case of dysphagia depends on the underlying cause. Sometimes it may be necessary to hire a speech therapist or an expert in rehabilitation, swallowing exercises or to learn strategies that can help muscle coordinate needed for better swallowing. In other cases the following may be need: medications, surgical interventions or, for an example, nasogastric tube.
In general, in less serious cases, it may help if the frequency of meals is increased, with reduced abundance and food cut into small pieces. One should prefer foods easier to swallow and avoid alcohol, tobacco and caffeine, as they can worse the gastroesophageal reflux that affects the dysphagia.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of dysphagia?
If the difficulty in swallowing is a constant problem and if it is associated with vomiting or weight loss it is good to seek medical attention. If an episode of dysphagia occurs due to airway obstruction the emergency room should be visited.
