Dysphagia Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Dysphagia or swallowing disorder is a condition when you need more time and effort to move food or liquid from your mouth to your stomach. Dysphagia is also often associated with painful swallowing. In fact, in some cases the sufferer cannot swallow at all.
This swallowing disorder only occurs occasionally. For example, when you eat too fast or don’t chew your food properly. Usually does not require special attention. However, persistent difficulty swallowing may be a symptom of a serious medical condition that requires treatment.
This disease can occur at any age but is most often experienced by older people.
Reason
Dysphagia can be caused by an obstruction in the throat, such as trapped food, a swollen throat, or disease conditions that trigger inflammation in the throat.
In addition, there are other conditions that can also cause dysphagia, such as:
- Dry throat
- An allergic reaction has occurred
- Swelling of the tongue
- Swelling of the tonsils
- Disease due to backflow of stomach acid or esophageal reflux
Symptom
Here are some symptoms that can be caused by dysphagia:
- Pain when swallowing
- Unable to swallow
- Feels like food is stuck in the throat or behind the mid-breastbone
- There is saliva flowing out
- Hoarseness
- Experiencing an uncomfortable warm and burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
- Food or stomach acid flows back up into the throat
- Unexpected weight loss
- Coughing or choking when swallowing
- Cutting food into small pieces or avoiding certain foods because of difficulty swallowing
If it drags on, dysphagia can cause several complications. Long-term complications include malnutrition, weight loss, dehydration and respiratory problems.
Diagnosis
To diagnose dysphagia, the doctor will ask about the symptoms you are feeling. The doctor will also check your body mass index to see if you are deficient in nutrients due to difficulty swallowing.
Next, the doctor will carry out a physical examination in the form of examining the patient’s reflexes, muscle strength, and speech. If everything has been done, you will be referred to a specialist who is more specific to treat the disease.
Sometimes several tests are also needed, namely by means of chest x-rays, barium X-rays, fluoroscopy, laryngoscopy, esophagoscopy, and manometry.
Treatment
Generally, dysphagia can improve by itself without therapy. If the symptoms are still mild, the doctor can show you how to do exercises to strengthen the muscles in the throat. The doctor can also explain swallowing techniques, which can help you swallow food without choking.
However, if the swallowing disorder persists, it can lead to malnutrition and dehydration, especially in the very young or the elderly. They can also suffer from recurrent respiratory infections and aspiration pneumonia. All of these complications are serious and life-threatening, so treatment is necessary as soon as possible.
If the swallowing disorder is caused by a tightness in the throat, esophageal dilation can be done to widen it. This procedure uses a small balloon that is inserted into the throat. The balloon will widen the condition of the throat making it easier to swallow. In the end, the balloon will be released again.
If there is an abnormal growth of tissue in the throat, surgery may be needed to remove the growth. Surgery can also be used to remove scar tissue.
If there are ulcers or stomach acid flowing upwards, you will be given medication to treat them. In more severe cases, you may need to be hospitalized and given food through a tube or feeding tube.
Prevention
While dysphagia cannot be prevented, you can reduce your risk. The trick is to eat slowly and chew your food well.
If this disorder occurs at home, the things you can do as initial treatment are:
- Changing the way of eating. Try to eat small but frequent meals. Cut food into smaller pieces and eat more slowly.
- Try foods with different textures. This is to see what foods cause difficulty swallowing. For some people, drinks like coffee and juice can be a problem. Thick or sticky foods like cream of peanuts or caramel can also be difficult to swallow.
- Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine. These three things can exacerbate heartburn.
If swallowing problems occur for a long time, you should immediately consult a doctor. In addition, early detection and prompt treatment can reduce the risk of dysphagia associated with the narrowing of the throat.