Understanding Dysphagia: Causes, Symptoms & Effective Relief Options|HCG Hospitals

Introduction

Have you ever had the feeling that you cannot swallow food? Is it difficult for you to swallow water or even your saliva? If your answer is yes, then you may have dysphagia, which is a medical term for difficulty in swallowing.

Most Indians pay no attention to such signs and believe they will disappear with time. But if the problem keeps coming back, it could be serious. 

We swallow effortlessly daily. Nevertheless, experiencing challenges may hamper one’s ability to eat and drink well; it may also pose a risk to one’s overall health.

Ignoring what appears to be an insignificant matter may lead to serious health problems. Visiting a good multispeciality hospital in India or an ENT hospital in India is the key to receiving the right care for dysphagia and preventing various complications caused by it.

This blog will help you understand various aspects of dysphagia, its causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention. 

What is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia is the term used to describe swallowing problems, which may be caused by issues related to peristalsis (movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract) near the esophagus. 

There are various other reasons for difficulty in swallowing, including inflammatory conditions, esophageal reflux issues, tumour growth, and neurological conditions.

Dysphagia is not classified among illnesses; rather, it occurs as a sign of an illness. Although swallowing appears easy, it comprises the coordination of more than 30 muscles and nerves.

There are two main types of dysphagia:

Healthy individuals may sometimes experience trouble swallowing, particularly if they eat fast. However, if symptoms are persistent, it is advisable to consult a physician, preferably at a reputable ENT hospital in India.

Prevalence of Dysphagia

Dysphagia is a common issue in India, particularly among older individuals.

A report from the Journal of the Indian Speech, Language & Hearing Association suggests that the prevalence of dysphagia stands at 20% among the general population. However, among individuals aged 60 and above, the prevalence stands between 50% and 66%.

Also, this condition is more prevalent in women than in men.

Symptoms of Dysphagia

The symptoms of dysphagia experienced can vary depending on the underlying cause and its severity. The following are the commonly observed dysphagia symptoms:

• Pain or discomfort while swallowing
• Feeling that food is stuck in your chest or throat
• Coughing or choking while eating or drinking
• Frequent drooling
• Regurgitation (bringing food back up)
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Unexplained weight loss
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Nasal regurgitation (food coming out through the nose)
  

The symptoms can be mild or severe. 

If they do not go away with time or medication, they should not be taken lightly. An ENT specialist in India can help identify the cause.

Causes of Dysphagia

The reasons behind difficulty in swallowing can vary, ranging from minor to major health problems. The following are the different causes of dysphagia:

Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Causes

• Neurological damage: The nerves that enable swallowing can be injured by stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or trauma to the head.
• Muscle diseases: Diseases such as muscular dystrophy affect the strength of muscles used for swallowing.
• Tumours or cancer: The presence of tumours within the throat may obstruct or squeeze the pharynx.
• Radiation therapy: Undergoing radiation therapy for cancer around the head and neck regions may lead to the development of scars that cause inflexibility and loss of mobility.

Oesophageal Dysphagia Causes

• GERD: The oesophagus may become narrow or inflamed from stomach acid injuring its lining.
• Strictures: Narrowings from scars or chronic inflammation.
• Achalasia: Uncommon condition in which the lower esophageal muscle does not relax as it should.
• Eosinophilic oesophagitis: Allergic inflammation of the esophagus.
• Foreign bodies: Ingestion of objects by mistake, particularly among kids and old people.

The reasons indicate the significance of consulting a specialist. Many multispeciality hospitals in India have modern tests for determining the problem precisely.

Who is at Risk of Dysphagia?

Certain people are more likely to develop swallowing difficulties:

• Elderly individuals, due to age-related muscle weakness
• Stroke or Parkinson’s patients
• People with chronic acid reflux
• Head or neck cancer patients
• Those undergoing radiation therapy
• Children with developmental delays or neurological conditions
  

Understanding the risk helps in early identification and intervention.

How is Dysphagia Diagnosed?

Doctors use several examinations to identify difficulties in swallowing:

• Barium swallow test: An exclusive X-ray taken after consuming a substance that makes the passage visible.
• Endoscopy: This test involves the insertion of a small camera through the mouth into the esophagus.
• Swallowing study: It looks at how food and drinks are passing through the patient’s mouth and throat.
• Esophageal manometry: This is a test done to see how the muscles squeeze while one is swallowing.

All these tests are available at leading ENT hospitals in India that also have highly experienced teams of specialists who can treat and manage difficulties associated with swallowing.

Treatment Options for Dysphagia

Fortunately, dysphagia is curable in many instances. The appropriate cure relies on how serious it is and what caused it.

1. Speech and Swallowing Therapy

Experienced therapists help patients with muscle control and swallowing coordination problems. It works best when dealing with diseases of the nervous system.

2. Medications

• Medicines that reduce acid for gastro-esophageal reflux disease
• Drugs that relax muscles for esophageal spasms
• Antibiotics or antifungal drugs for infections, if any

3. Diet Modifications

• Eating mashed or blended foods
• Taking thickened fluids to avoid choking
• Opting for a balanced diet as suggested by a nutritionist
  

4. Esophageal Dilation

Doctors employ a balloon or similar tool for the safe expansion of a constricted food pipe.

5. Surgery

This is necessary in case of tumours, strictures, or anatomical problems. In very serious situations, surgery may be used to eliminate obstructions or place feeding tubes.

6. Feeding Tubes

Patients who cannot swallow well are given a tube for feeding so that they do not choke on food and to provide them with enough nourishment.

Prevention of Dysphagia

It is not possible to prevent dysphagia all the time, especially if it is caused by neurological disorders or cancer. However, a few easy practices may lower your risk:

• Chew food slowly and thoroughly
• Sit upright while eating
• Avoid lying down immediately after meals
• Stay hydrated
• Limit spicy or acidic foods if you have acid reflux
• Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption
• Maintain good oral hygiene
• See your doctor regularly if you’re at risk

What Happens if Dysphagia is Left Untreated?

Failure to address swallowing problems may result in severe problems:

• Malnutrition: Not eating enough healthy food
• Dehydration: Particularly among those who do not drink for fear of choking
• Aspiration pneumonia: Drawing food or spit into the lungs
• Choking incidents: Objects lodged in the throat, causing airway blockage and breathing problems
• Poor standard of living: Hesitation to take meals with people in public places

Therefore, immediate care by experienced doctors at a multispeciality hospital in India is essential.

Conclusion

Dysphagia, which is often a sign of an underlying problem, has effects on general health, mood, and social life. Regardless of whether it is mild or severe, dysphagia must always be taken seriously. However, thanks to today’s medical advancements, almost all situations can be managed or even cured.

If you or someone you care about cannot swallow properly for a long time, visit a trusted hospital in India or a reputed multispecialty hospital for guidance. Identifying the problem at an early stage, giving appropriate medication, and being a little calm will enable you to regain your initial state of eating, drinking, and living well.