Swallowing is a complex process that involves many nerves and around 50 pairs of muscles. The act of swallowing involves preparing food in the mouth and transporting it down the throat and into the stomach. This process is instinctual to most people. However, some individuals have difficulty swallowing. Dysphagia, the medical term for swallowing difficulties, can arise due to several reasons, and it can cause discomfort and pain. Here is a short guide to swallowing difficulties to help you understand the complexities of dysphagia and how to cope with it.
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Understanding Dysphagia
Dysphagia can occur at any stage of the swallowing process, and it can affect people of all ages at different stages of life. Common causes of swallowing difficulties include neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, muscular disorders, structural abnormalities, and even certain medications. Symptoms of dysphagia may include pain when swallowing, coughing when consuming food, regurgitation, and unexplained weight loss.
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Different Types of Dysphagia
Depending on the stage of the swallowing process and the root cause, dysphagia can manifest in different forms. Understanding the various types of swallowing difficulties is vital for accurate diagnosis and the creation of an appropriate and effective treatment plan. The two main types of dysphagia are oropharyngeal dysphagia and esophageal dysphagia.
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Oropharyngeal Dysphagia
Oropharyngeal dysphagia involves difficulties within the initial stages of swallowing (from the mouth to the throat). This type of dysphagia can be caused by coordination issues or muscle weakness, structural abnormalities, or neurological conditions like stroke.
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Esophageal Dysphagia
Esophageal dysphagia refers to difficulties in the later stages of swallowing (when food travels through the esophagus). Esophageal dysphagia can be caused by inflammation or muscular disorders, or it can be the result of an obstruction in the esophagus, or the esophagus narrowing.
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Seek Professional Guidance
When dealing with symptoms of dysphagia, you must seek professional guidance. The first point of call is usually one’s healthcare provider. They can assess your general health and then refer you to specialist professionals, such as speech-language pathologists. These healthcare professionals can identify the severity of your condition and tailor a treatment plan to your symptoms. Speech therapists can also teach you exercises and techniques to manage dysphagia.
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Modify the Consistency of Food and Drinks
Some people suffering from dysphagia find the viscosity of certain food and drinks easier to swallow than others. By using thickening products like the Simply Thick liquid thickener, you can alter the texture of food and drink to a consistency that you find more palatable. Thickening products are available in a variety of levels of thicknesses. It is worth trying out a few products to identify which works best for you. When using new products, you must speak to a healthcare professional first.
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Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Large meals can be daunting for people with dysphagia, and they can put more strain on your swallowing muscles, which can cause you to choke. Eating smaller portion sizes can help make the process more manageable. It will also help you consume food and drink easier, and it will also reduce the risk of aspiration or choking.
