Overcoming Swallowing Disorders: Everything You Need to Know

Swallowing Disorders

Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing is a condition that affects people of all ages, although seniors remain at the highest risk of developing this disorder. When eating, individuals with dysphagia may choke or gag. They must clear their throat frequently or feel their food and drinks move down the wrong pipe. 

A person might spend more time eating because they have difficulty swallowing. If they can’t eat food because of this medical condition, they could lose weight. Some patients complain of painful swallowing or may cough after eating or drinking. This problem remains most common in seniors with other health issues. However, every person should know more about a swallowing disorders to seek early treatment if they begin experiencing symptoms. 

When to See a Doctor

A person might assume they swallowed wrong when they have difficulty eating. Acute dysphagia, a condition where symptoms are present for more than 24 hours, is an emergency. The person may have ingested a foreign body, or they may have impacted food. Medical attention is needed promptly. When a person struggles to swallow for ten or more consecutive days, they should make an appointment with their doctor to learn the cause. 

Diagnosing Dysphagia

When a person visits their doctor because of trouble swallowing, the doctor will do a complete physical exam to assess the aerodigestive system and learn about other health problems contributing to the dysphagia. The doctor may complete a fiber-optic nasal endoscopy to determine what is happening. During this procedure, the doctor uses a topical anesthetic to numb the patient before using a fiber-optic endoscope to enter the nostril and check the nasal passages and throat. The procedure is completed in less than a minute. The doctor may also have a speech-language pathologist assess the patient to gather additional information. The speech-language pathologist may also make recommendations on how to swallow. 

Further Testing

After the initial visit, the doctor may determine that additional testing is needed. A transnasal esophagoscopy allows the doctor to view the esophagus by passing a camera through the nose. They may order a static endoscopic evaluation of the swallow to see how the throat responds during and after a drink. This test also assesses vocal cord vibration. 

Problems that are most apparent when speaking or swallowing are often diagnosed using a flexible endoscopic exam of the swallow, again using the fiber-optic endoscope. When swallowing, a person’s body goes through several stages. Problems within this process are found with the help of a modified barium swallow. This fluoroscopic X-ray exam requires the patient to drink liquids infused with barium or eat foods coated in this substance. This test also allows the doctor to see if food and liquid enter the lungs. 

Treating Dysphagia

The doctor and speech therapist make a treatment plan when all tests are complete. This plan may include swallowing therapy, dietary modifications, and exercises to strengthen the muscles used when eating. Surgery is only needed in some instances, such as when the person is diagnosed with Zenker’s Diverticulum. Botox helps some patients by weakening the swallowing muscles and is used for specific medical conditions contributing to the problem. 

People should never wait to see if the swallowing problem goes away. It’s best to be seen by the doctor so they can learn what is happening. With the correct diagnosis and treatment, a person can enjoy eating again. 

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