Dysphagia Specialists: Understanding the Symptoms and Treatment

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.

Symptoms of Dysphagia

There are a variety of symptoms that can point toward dysphagia, including:

• Pain with swallowing
• Trouble swallowing
• Acid reflux or heartburn
• Choking or gagging when drinking or eating
• A feeling that food is stuck in your throat
• Regurgitation
• Hoarseness when speaking

Types of Dysphagia

Generally, there are three types of dysphagia. They are categorized by where the challenges occur in the swallowing process.

• Oral dysphagia – Oral, or high dysphagia, stems from the mouth. It can be caused be a weakness in the tongue, making it difficult to chew and transition food from the mouth.
• Pharyngeal dysphagia – Occurring in the throat, this type is typically caused by a neurological issue that affects the nerves.
• Esophageal dysphagia – Low dysphagia signals that there is a problem in the esophagus. It is typically caused by an irritation or blockage.

Causes of Dysphagia

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:

• Scleroderma
• Diverticula
• Esophageal spasms
• GERD

Treatment of Dysphagia

Determining what is causing your swallowing difficulties will directly influence your treatment plan. Many common treatment options include:

• An endoscopy procedure to remove any blockages
• Changing eating habits
• Medication for GERD, esophagitis, or heartburn
• Exercises to strengthen the esophagus and throat

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.