Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)

At some point in life you or your loved one may be stricken by difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, as the health care professionals call it.  Noticing a difficulty in swallowing can prove to be dangerous to your health.  You may not be able to eat and drink things as you once could, and it may take longer and/or more effort to move the food or liquid from your mouth to your stomach.  Plus, there also may be pain associated with your swallowing difficulty, which can cause additional problems.  Dysphagia can range from having mild difficulty swallowing to where swallowing may be impossible in some cases. 

There are times when you could have occasional difficulty swallowing, and this could occur when you either eat too fast or neglect to chew your food thoroughly, which usually should not cause much concern.  However, persistent dysphagia should be taken seriously and may require medical treatment which will ultimately depend upon the underlying cause if one can be found.  Difficulty swallowing can arise from conditions such as suffering from a stroke or it can occur with the progression of dementia.  Dysphagia can occur no matter what your age or condition, but it is much more common in the older adult population.

Experiencing difficulty swallowing can cause an individual to become very anxious when it comes to eating or drinking for the fear of possibly choking.  Therefore, some people who experience dysphagia may simply choose not to eat or drink.  Following are some signs and symptoms to look for with dysphagia:

ü  Noticing pain while swallowing

ü  Being unable to swallow at all, or a noticeable change in ability to swallow

ü  Sensation of food getting lodged in the throat or chest behind sternum

ü  Excess salivation (drooling)

ü  Having a hoarse voice

ü  Regurgitation

ü  Frequent episodes of heartburn

ü  Unexpected weight loss

ü  Coughing when swallowing

ü  Having to cut food into small pieces or avoiding certain foods

Be alert to the above changes that may occur with dysphagia.  Generally, if an individual indeed is diagnosed with difficulty swallowing, the diet will be modified according to the severity.  Diet modifications may include having liquids thickened and/or having food served in smaller pieces, or even pureed.  Your provider will determine the severity of your condition before recommending any dietary changes.  You should make it a point to see your provider if you notice a continued pattern of difficulty swallowing, accompanied by weight loss, regurgitation, or vomiting.  The symptoms mentioned could lead to further problems if modifications are not implemented.  However, if there is a known obstruction that is interfering with your breathing, emergency help should immediately be notified.

Swallowing is a complex process and numerous conditions can interfere with it.  There are times when the cause related to the difficulty swallowing cannot be identified.  As with other health conditions there are risks that increase your chances of developing dysphagia.  These risks include aging and other certain health conditions.  As individuals age the natural aging process and the normal wear and tear on the esophagus, along with a greater risk of stroke or Parkinson’s disease, puts older adults in a higher risk category of developing swallowing difficulties.  Certain health conditions also place individuals at risk for difficulty swallowing such as neurological system disorders, like dementia.

If you or a loved one experiences chronic difficulty swallowing, many complications could arise.  These complications could include dehydration, malnutrition, and weight loss.  If one is unable to swallow efficiently, the individual most likely is not getting the adequate nourishment they need to meet the demands of their body.  Respiratory complications may also arise with difficulty swallowing.  Food or liquid that enters the airway when a person tries to swallow can lead to pneumonia or upper respiratory infections.  The best advice is to chew your food thoroughly and more slowly until the severity of your dysphagia is determined by your provider.  Also, try to eat small meals and avoid eating right before bedtime. 

Total Home Health has the program that is right for you or your loved one that is experiencing difficulty swallowing.  Our professional and compassionate staff will provide you with all the care and advice you need to acclimate yourself to any dietary modifications that you may have to adhere to in order to maintain an adequate nutritional status.  Although sometimes we are hesitant to change, most of the time change is good.  Allow Total Home Health to be a part of your changes and help you to continue to lead a productive and proud life.