Skip to main content

What are the causes of swallowing disorders? How is it treated?

 Swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia, occur when there is difficulty moving food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach

1
. Swallowing is a complex process that involves many muscles and nerves, and any condition that weakens or damages these muscles and nerves can cause dysphagia
1
. Some of the possible causes of swallowing disorders include:
  • Neurological disorders: Certain conditions that affect the brain and nervous system, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, ALS, and stroke, can lead to swallowing difficulties
    2
    3
    .
  • Muscle disorders: Disorders that affect muscles all over the body, such as myasthenia gravis and muscular dystrophy, can cause difficulty swallowing. Disorders of the esophagus, such as achalasia, systemic sclerosis, cricopharyngeal spasms, and esophageal spasms, can also affect the ability to swallow
    2
    .
  • Aging: Due to natural aging and normal wear and tear on the esophagus, as well as a greater risk of certain conditions, such as stroke or Parkinson's disease, older adults are at higher risk of swallowing difficulties
    1
    .
  • Certain health conditions: People with certain neurological or nervous system disorders are more likely to have difficulty swallowing. For example, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can affect nerve function related to swallowing. Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic condition that can cause swallowing difficulties in infants, children, and adults. Allergies can also affect swallowing
    4
    .
The treatment for difficulty swallowing depends on the cause and severity of the problem
5
2
3
. Some possible treatments include:
  • Medications: Depending on the diagnosis, medications may be prescribed to treat the underlying condition causing the swallowing disorder
    4
    .
  • Swallowing therapy: This involves working with a speech-language pathologist to learn exercises and techniques to improve swallowing
    4
    .
  • Surgery: Surgery might be needed to relieve swallowing problems caused by throat narrowing or blockages, including bony outgrowths, vocal cord paralysis, pharyngoesophageal diverticula, GERD and achalasia, or to treat esophageal cancer
    5
    .
  • Changing your diet: Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor may recommend changes to your diet, such as eating softer foods or avoiding certain foods that are difficult to swallow
    4
    .
  • Other treatments: Other treatments may include relaxing an esophageal sphincter that is too tight, or removing the cause of a swallowing disorder
    4
    .
The problem with swallowing is that it can lead to health issues and social problems, such as choosing not to eat meals with others
3
. Signs of dysphagia include coughing or choking when eating or drinking, bringing food back up, feeling that food is stuck in your throat or chest, and a gurgly, wet-sounding voice when eating or drinking
6
. Over time, dysphagia can also cause symptoms such as weight loss, dehydration, and repeated chest infections
6
.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Flying Just Got a Lot More Expensive — and Tariffs Are Only the Beginning

 As trade tensions escalate between major economies, new tariff uncertainties are weighing heavily on airlines. The consequences will ripple far beyond boardrooms and airfields: travelers should expect higher ticket prices, fewer route options, and a possible reshaping of the global aviation landscape. Immediate Impacts: Airlines Navigate a New Set of Risks In the short term, airlines are grappling with a complex mix of operational challenges: First, the aircraft supply chain is under pressure. Trade disputes between the United States, the European Union, and China have complicated the procurement of new planes. Manufacturers like Boeing, Airbus, and China's state-backed COMAC are caught in the middle, creating delays and pricing uncertainty for carriers ( Reuters ). Fuel markets are similarly volatile. Airlines typically hedge fuel prices months in advance to avoid sudden cost spikes. However, unpredictable shifts in global oil prices—driven in part by trade instability—are u...
Post a Comment
Read more

What’s it like to grow up in Vienna, Austria? | Young and European

Key Themes and Insights: City Overview 🏙️ Vienna is often referred to as the 'City of Music' and has consistently been voted the world's most livable city. ✨ The city balances open-mindedness with rich traditions, offering impressive infrastructure and educational opportunities. Living Environment 🏡 Sebi enjoys living in the eighth district, Josefstadt, known for its proximity to the city center but high rental prices. 💰 The average rent in Vienna is €9.80 per square meter, making it relatively affordable compared to other European cities, although this district is an exception. Education System 📚 Sebi attends one of the oldest schools in Vienna, where he studies multiple languages and engages in higher education preparation. 🎓 The average age for Austrians to move out is 25.5 years, with many students like Sebi aspiring to continue their education at nearby universities, such as the University of Vienna. Transportation 🚉 Vienna has an excellent public transport syste...
Post a Comment
Read more

Could the Crown Slip? The Dollar's Grip in a Shifting World

 Alright, let's dive into the fascinating, and often overstated, question of whether the Euro could dethrone the mighty Dollar. Forget the daily market jitters; we're talking about the bedrock of global finance here. For decades, the US dollar has reigned supreme as the world's reserve currency. It's the currency most central banks hold in their reserves, the one used for pricing major commodities like oil, and the go-to for international trade. This dominance isn't just about bragging rights; it gives the US significant economic advantages, from lower borrowing costs to the ability to exert financial influence globally. But lately, whispers of change have grown louder. The idea that the dollar's grip might be loosening isn't some fringe conspiracy theory. Factors like the sheer scale of US debt, occasional bouts of political instability, and even the weaponization of financial sanctions have prompted some nations to explore alternatives. Think of it like a ...
Post a Comment
Read more