Dysphagia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

 

Dysphagia is a medical condition characterized by difficulty in swallowing or moving food or liquids from the mouth to the stomach. It can affect people of all ages and is often a symptom of an underlying health issue. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment is crucial for managing this condition effectively and improving the overall quality of life for those affected. Get to know about these further from the best ENT specialist in Kolkata.




Causes

According to the best ENT specialist doctor in Kolkata, dysphagia can stem from various causes, including:

• Muscle Weakness or Damage: Conditions like stroke, muscular dystrophy, or Parkinson's disease can weaken the muscles involved in swallowing.

• Nerve Damage: Disorders like multiple sclerosis or damage to the nervous system can interfere with the coordination of the muscles involved in swallowing

• Structural Issues: Abnormalities in the esophagus, such as narrowing or tumors, can cause difficulty in swallowing.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Chronic acid reflux can lead to irritation and damage to the esophagus, causing difficulty in swallowing.

• Certain Medications: Some medications, especially those that can cause dry mouth or affect muscle function, may contribute to dysphagia.

Symptoms

• Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)

• Pain or Discomfort

• Sensation of Obstruction in the throat or chest

• Regurgitation (swallowed food coming back into rtburn or Acid Refluxthe mouth)

• Hea
• Drooling
• Unexplained Weight Loss
• Coughing and Aspiration
• Change in Voice or Hoarseness
• Difficulty Managing Food or Liquids
• Nasal Regurgitation

Treatments


The best ENT specialist in Kolkata has discussed below the treatments of dysphagia.

Dietary Modifications:

• Soft or pureed foods: Adjusting the texture of foods to make them easier to swallow, such as pureeing or softening them.
• Thickened liquids: Thickened liquids reduce the risk of choking and aspiration.
• Swallowing Therapy (Dysphagia Rehabilitation):
• Speech-language therapy: Working with a speech-language pathologist to improve swallowing techniques and muscle coordination.
• Swallowing exercises: Performing specific exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing and improve coordination.

Medical Treatment:

• Medications to treat underlying causes of dysphagia, such as acid reflux or infections.
• Botox injections: Used in some cases to relax muscles that may be causing swallowing difficulties.

Esophageal Dilation:




Stretching the esophagus using a special device (dilation) to widen a narrowed esophagus or treat strictures.


Doctors also suggest modifying the position during eating or drinking to facilitate swallowing, such as tilting the head forward or to the side.


If you identify with the aforementioned symptoms, reach out to the best ENT doctor in Kolkata to start your dysphagia treatment today.