The act of swallowing involves several different nerves and muscles, creating a complex process. Dysphagia is a condition that affects your throat and esophagus, making swallowing difficult. While this condition is typically more common in infants and older adults, it can happen to anyone. There are wide range of signs, symptoms, and causes. If these problems swallowing are seldom or few and far between, it’s likely not serious. However, if they persist frequently, you should see a doctor to determine the cause and appropriate course of treatment.
There are a variety of symptoms that can point toward dysphagia, including:
Generally, there are three types of dysphagia. They are categorized by where the challenges occur in the swallowing process.
Dysphagia can also be a symptom of other conditions that affect the nerves and muscles in the throat and esophagus. Some common causes of dysphagia include:
Determining what is causing your swallowing difficulties will directly influence your treatment plan. Many common treatment options include:
If you’ve been experiencing difficulty swallowing you should see your gastroenterologist as soon as possible to determine the cause and course of treatment. The expert staff at Digestive Diseases Center in Panama City, Florida is here to help with any of your digestive health needs.
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