Dysphagia causes swallowing difficulties i.e. it takes more effort and time to pass food and liquid through the esophagus. Sometimes dysphagia can be caused due to pain that might make swallowing impossible. Persistent swallowing difficulty can be due to a serious condition requiring medical attention. People of any age can be affected by dysphagia. The underlying causes may vary. Treatment depends upon the cause of dysphagia.

Symptoms of Dysphagia

Pain in swallowing food (Odynophagia)
Oral leaking or drooling
Pocketing food (keeping it in the cheeks)
Inability to swallow
Having a sensation of food being stuck in the esophagus
Being hoarse
Regurgitation (food coming out of the mouth)
Acid reflux or heartburn
Unexpected weight loss
Gagging or Coughing while swallowing

Complications of Dysphagia

Older adults are at a greater risk of dysphagia due to wear and tear to the esophagus with the course of time. Patients with neurological or nervous system disorders like MS are more likely to have dysphagia. Weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration are major things that can result from dysphagia. It becomes difficult for the body to absorb nutrients from food due to dysphagia. Person with dysphagia may experience infection of the upper airway or pneumonia as the food might enter the airway when the patient tries to swallow. Regular swallowing difficulties along with weight loss, regurgitation or vomiting is a matter of concern and must be reported to your doctor immediately. If you feel that the obstruction interferes with breathing or you feel food stuck in your throat or chest, call immediately for help.

Treatment of Dysphagia

There are two ways to treat or manage dysphagia: aids that help in easier swallowing and a change in diet that also enables easy swallowing.

Aids for Dysphagia

Several aids for dysphagia help in either enabling easier swallowing or allowing for an alternate swallowing technique.
- Dysphagia Cups - Drinking cups for elderly are designed for people suffering from dysphagia. They have a special designed mouth or spout that enables the user to insert the cups deeper into the mouth so that the liquid or food is delivered easily. They also have double-handle options, and weighted bases to prevent spilling or tipping.
- Electrotherapy - Electrotherapy stimulates the muscles of the throat or the esophagus to help reduce the difficulty of swallowing.
- Feeding tubes - Feeding tubes can be inserted directly into the throat for easy feeding. Many times, no aids can help comfortably deliver food, so feeding tubes can be the most apt solution.
Dysphagia Diet

People with dysphagia need a special dysphagia diet which is easy to swallow. This diet can have different textures that are safe for patients to swallow. Textures should be such that it becomes easier for the food to move in the esophagus and it does not enter the windpipe or trachea. Every patient has their special needs and so food should be prepared accordingly. Food and beverage thickeners can be used to bring food to the required consistency so that it can be easily swallowed.