Causes
Symptoms
Prevention
Complications
How does dysphagia start?
How does dysphagia occur? Dysphagia occurs when there is a problem with the neural control or the structures involved in any part of the swallowing process. Weak tongue or cheek muscles may make it hard to move food around in the mouth for chewing.
What is the most frequent cause of dysphagia?
Acid reflux disease is the most common cause of dysphagia. People with acid reflux may have problems in the esophagus, such as an ulcer, a stricture (narrowing of the esophagus), or less likely a cancer causing difficulty swallowing.
How is oral dysphagia treated?
Try eating smaller, more frequent meals. Cut your food into smaller pieces, chew food thoroughly and eat more slowly. If you have difficulty swallowing liquids, there are products you can buy to thicken liquids. Trying foods with different textures to see if some cause you more trouble.
What are three disorders that cause dysphagia?
Certain disorders — such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson's disease — can cause dysphagia. Neurological damage. Sudden neurological damage, such as from a stroke or brain or spinal cord injury, can affect the ability to swallow. Pharyngoesophageal diverticulum (Zenker's diverticulum).
What are the 4 stages of dysphagia?
A swallow has four phases: oral preparatory, oral propulsive, pharyngeal and esophageal.
Can dysphagia go away?
Many cases of dysphagia can be improved with treatment, but a cure isn't always possible. Treatments for dysphagia include: speech and language therapy to learn new swallowing techniques. changing the consistency of food and liquids to make them safer to swallow.
How long can u live with dysphagia?
Overall Group Analysis. The median survival of the study population was 159 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 72, 276 days), estimated 30-day mortality was 27%, 90-day mortality 42%, and 1-year mortality 62%.
What is the best medicine for dysphagia?
Your gastroenterologist may prescribe corticosteroids, antacids, proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), and muscle relaxants to treat the cause of your esophageal dysphagia.
What medications can cause dysphagia?
Agents such as antiepileptics, benzodiazepines, narcotics, and skeletal muscle relaxants place the patient at greater risk for dysphagia due to decreased awareness, decreased voluntary muscle control, and difficulty initiating a swallow.
What part of the brain affects swallowing?
Swallowing movements are produced by a central pattern generator located in the medulla oblongata.
Can dysphagia be caused by anxiety?
Some cases of dysphagia are due to structural abnormalities or disease, and some are considered functional, where there is no apparent physical cause. Psychiatric reasons for dysphagia include anxiety disorders, phobias, somatic symptom disorder, and more.
What tests can be used to help diagnose and treat dysphagia?
A videofluoroscopy assesses your swallowing ability. It takes place in the X-ray department and provides a moving image of your swallowing in real time. You'll be asked to swallow different types of food and drink of different consistencies, mixed with a non-toxic liquid called barium that shows up on X-rays.
Are there 5 main types of dysphagia?
A more specific classification categorizes the cause of dysphagia according to location: preesophageal or oropharyngeal dysphagia, esophageal or transport dysphagia, postesophageal or esophagogastric dysphagia, and paraesophageal or extrinsic dysphagia.
What are the 2 types of dysphagia?
There are 2 main types of dysphagia, caused by problems with the: mouth or throat – known as oropharyngeal dysphagia. oesophagus (the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach) – known as oesophageal dysphagia.
What causes dysphagia in elderly?
Irrespective of age, dysphagia is commonly associated with certain diseases such as cerebrovascular accidents, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson disease (PD), myasthenia gravis, and tardive dyskinesia, all of which increase in prevalence with aging.
Is dysphagia caused by acid reflux?
While dysphagia can be attributed to a variety of causes, one of the most common is chronic acid reflux caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a common digestive disease characterized by chronic acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.
What causes swallowing difficulties?
Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ( ALS) and stroke can lead to swallowing difficulties. Muscle disorders: Myasthenia gravis (an autoimmune condition) and muscular dystrophy affect muscles all over the body.
What is esophageal dysphagia?
Esophageal dysphagia: This is a problem of the esophagus. This can be caused when something blocks or compresses the esophagus, there’s a muscular disorder or there are pouches in the esophagus .
Why is my esophagus narrowing?
Esophagus narrowing and blockages: Esophageal cancer, a tumor or a swollen thyroid gland can constrict the esophagus ( make it narrower). A narrowed esophagus can make swallowing a challenge. Some people develop webs or Schatzki rings (pieces of tissue inside the esophagus). This tissue narrows the tube and makes it hard to swallow chunks of food. Disorders of the opening of the esophagus can also contribute to difficulty swallowing such as cricopharyngeal hypertrophy. Swallowing can be difficult or impossible if anything is stuck in your throat.
What is swallowing disorder?
Dysphagia is simply defined as a swallowing disorder. It can occur in any of the three phases of swallowing: Oral. Pharyngeal. Esophageal. Dysphagia is often noted in stroke survivors and can affect the oral and/or pharyngeal phase of swallowing. The patient may cough or choke while attempting to swallow saliva, liquids, or food.
Why does my esophagus have scars?
Scarring from acid reflux: Scar tissue can form in your esophagus as a result of GERD (acid reflux disease). GERD can lead to Barrett’s esophagus (irritation in the esophagus lining).
What is modified barium swallow?
Modified barium swallow: During this test, a speech therapist gives you different foods and liquids to chew and swallow. The food will be covered with barium, a minty tasting liquid or pasty material.
What causes tongue weakness after stroke?
Oral cavity dysphagia: The problem is in the mouth. Typical causes include tongue weakness after stroke, difficulty chewing food or neuromuscular problems. Oropharyngeal dysphagia: The problem is in the throat. This can be a result of a neurological or muscular problem. Esophageal dysphagia: This is a problem of the esophagus.
What causes dysphagia?
Dysphagia has many possible causes and happens most frequently in older adults. Any condition that weakens or damages the muscles and nerves used for swallowing may cause dysphagia. For example, people with diseases of the nervous system, such as cerebral palsy or Parkinson’s disease, often have problems swallowing. Additionally, stroke or head injury may weaken or affect the coordination of the swallowing muscles or limit sensation in the mouth and throat.
How does dysphagia occur?
Dysphagia occurs when there is a problem with the neural control or the structures involved in any part of the swallowing process. Weak tongue or cheek muscles may make it hard to move food around in the mouth for chewing. A stroke or other nervous system disorder may make it difficult to start the swallowing response, a stimulus that allows food and liquids to move safely through the throat. Another difficulty can occur when weak throat muscles, such as after cancer surgery, cannot move all of the food toward the stomach. Dysphagia may also result from disorders of the esophagus.
What is dysphagia?
People with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing and may even experience pain while swallowing (odynophagia). Some people may be completely unable to swallow or may have trouble safely swallowing liquids, foods, or saliva. When that happens, eating becomes a challenge. Often, dysphagia makes it difficult to take in enough calories and fluids to nourish the body and can lead to additional serious medical problems.
What are some problems caused by dysphagia?
Dysphagia can be serious. Someone who cannot swallow safely may not be able to eat enough of the right foods to stay healthy or maintain an ideal weight.
What research is being done on dysphagia?
Every aspect of the swallowing process is being studied in people of all ages, including those who do not have dysphagia, to give researchers a better understanding of how normal and disordered processes compare.
Where can I find additional information about dysphagia?
The NIDCD maintains a directory of organizations that provide information on the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language.
How do we swallow?
This happens in three stages. During the first stage, called the oral phase, the tongue collects the food or liquid, making it ready for swallowing. The tongue and jaw move solid food around in the mouth so it can be chewed. Chewing makes solid food the right size and texture to swallow by mixing the food with saliva. Saliva softens and moistens the food to make swallowing easier. Normally, the only solid we swallow without chewing is in the form of a pill or caplet. Everything else that we swallow is in the form of a liquid, a puree, or a chewed solid.
What is the cause of dysphagia?
Trusted Source. . Dysphagia can be caused by a difficulty anywhere in the swallowing process. There are three general types of dysphagia: Oral dysphagia (high dysphagia) — the problem is in the mouth, sometimes caused by tongue weakness after a stroke, difficulty chewing food, or problems transporting food from the mouth.
Why are older people at risk for dysphagia?
Aging — older adults are more at risk. This is due to general wear and tear on the body over time. Also, certain diseases of old age can cause dysphagia, such as Parkinson’s disease.
How to tell if you have dysphagia?
Symptoms linked to dysphagia include: 1 Choking when eating. 2 Coughing or gagging when swallowing. 3 Drooling. 4 Food or stomach acid backing up into the throat. 5 Recurrent heartburn. 6 Hoarseness. 7 Sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest, or behind the breastbone. 8 Unexplained weight loss. 9 Bringing food back up (regurgitation). 10 Difficulty controlling food in the mouth. 11 Difficulty starting the swallowing process. 12 Recurrent pneumonia. 13 Inability to control saliva in the mouth.
Why is it so hard to swallow food?
Dysphagia refers to a difficulty in swallowing – it takes more effort than normal to move food from the mouth to the stomach. Usually caused by nerve or muscle problems, dysphagia can be painful and is more common in older people and babies. Although the medical term “dysphagia” is often regarded as a symptom or sign, ...
Why do we need a barium swallow test?
A barium swallow test can be useful for understanding the reason behind a case of dysphagia.
Why does my throat hurt?
Issues in the throat are often caused by a neurological problem that affects the nerves (such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ). Esophageal dysphagia (low dysphagia) — the problem is in the esophagus. This is usually because of a blockage or irritation. Often, a surgical procedure is required.
What are the complications of dysphagia?
Complications of dysphagia. Pneumonia and upper respiratory infections – specifically aspiration pneumonia, which can occur if something is swallowed down the “wrong way” and enters the lungs. Malnutrition — this is especially the case with people who are not aware of their dysphagia and are not being treated for it.
Trouble swallowing symptoms
Trouble swallowing, or dysphagia, is the inability to swallow foods and liquids with ease. Dysphagia can affect both men and women and may occur at any age.
Trouble swallowing causes
An intricate system of multiple pairs of muscles and nerves work together to control swallowing. Anything that causes irritation, injury, compression, or damage to these components can result in difficulty swallowing. The causes of dysphagia can be categorized as either oropharyngeal or esophageal.
Trouble swallowing treatments and relief
There are different treatments for trouble swallowing, depending on whether the cause is oropharyngeal or esophageal. It is important to see your physician promptly in order to get the proper diagnosis and care.
FAQs about trouble swallowing
Generally, no. Anxiety does not cause difficulty swallowing. It can, however, cause dry mouth which can cause difficulty chewing and swallowing particularly dry foods like crackers. Other common causes of difficulty swallowing are a common cold or sore throat and allergies.
Questions your doctor may ask about trouble swallowing
Have you been feeling more tired than usual, lethargic or fatigued despite sleeping a normal amount?
What does dysphagia mean?
Dysphagia means that there is a disturbance in the eating and swallowing capacity. This is also known as having swallowing difficulties and means that a person has difficulty, for example, chewing, swallowing or transporting food and drink from the plate to the stomach.
How does dysphagia affect healing?
Dysphagia has a negative effect on both healing and rehabilitation, which is strongly correlated to extended care periods, more complicated care interventions, reduced quality of life and great personal suffering for those that are affected, and those close to them.
What are the stages of swallowing?
In the same way as the swallowing process can be divided into four different phases, so can the different types of dysphagia – swallowing difficulties. These are the four vital stages: 1 Pre-oral phase – when the food is transferred from plate to mouth. 2 Oral phase – when the food is chewed and processed in the mouth: also called ’mouth phase’. 3 Pharyngeal phase – when the bolus passes the front palate (anterior palatal arch) and the pharynx: also called ’pharynx phase’. 4 Esophagal phase – when the food is transported through the esophagus: also called ’esophagus phase’
How many phases are there in swallowing?
In the same way as the swallowing process can be divided into four different phases, so can the different types of dysphagia – swallowing difficulties. These are the four vital stages:
What is intermittent esophagal dysphagia?
a) Intermittent esophagal dysphagia – the problem comes and goes. This is the most common type of dysphagia – one in ten people (approx. 1 million in Sweden) that are otherwise-healthy have hiatus hernia which causes this type of dysphagia. [5]
How many different types of swallowing difficulties are there?
Dysphagia can occur at one or several levels of the swallowing process and are therefore separated into four different types of swallowing difficulties, depending on which part of the process the swallowing difficulties occur in.
Why does food stay in your mouth?
This type of dysphagia means that you find it hard to chew, mix the food with saliva in your mouth, to transport the food backwards towards your pharynx, and that sometimes it can remain in your mouth because the swallow reflex has not cut in.
What are the causes of dysphagia?
Loss of muscle mass and function, a reduction of tissue elasticity, changes of the posture, reduction of saliva production, and impaired dental status all increase the susceptibility to dysphagia and may act as a contributing factor.
How prevalent is oral dysphagia?
Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a highly prevalent clinical condition in older age, which affects up to 13% of the total population aged 65 years and older and 51% of institutionalized older persons. 3
What Is Oropharyngeal Dysphagia?
Dysphagia or swallowing disorder is characterized by the dysfunction of one or more parts of the swallowing apparatus. 1
What is swallowing disorder?
Dysphagia or swallowing disorder is characterized by the dysfunction of one or more parts of the swallowing apparatus. 1 . The swallowing apparatus begins with the mouth and includes the: In oropharyngeal dysphagia, you have trouble moving food, liquid, or saliva from your mouth into your throat.
What is the condition where you cannot swallow food?
Treatment. Complications. Oropharyngeal dysphagia refers to a disorder in which you cannot properly swallow food, liquid or saliva. This is a serious condition and it is essential that you seek medical care if you experience difficulty swallowing. Read on to find out more about the signs, causes, and treatment for oropharyngeal dysphagia.
What are the parts of the swallowing apparatus?
The swallowing apparatus begins with the mouth and includes the: 1 Lips 2 Tongue 3 Oral cavity 4 Pharynx (throat) 5 Airway 6 Esophagus and its sphincters
How many people have dysphagia after a stroke?
A stroke. Dysphagia occurs in over 50% of patients with an acute stroke. 6
What Is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia most frequently occurs when there is a problem with the nerve control or the structures involved in any part of the swallowing process. It occurs when you need to take more time or effort to move food from your mouth to your stomach, or you may not be able to move the food from your mouth, resulting in choking or aspiration of the food.
When is dysphagia diagnosed?
A diagnosis of functional dysphagia typically isn't made until a person has experienced a stream of unexplained physical symptoms, medical tests, and treatments.
What is the name of the condition where you have trouble moving food, liquid, or saliva from your mouth into your throat?
Oropharyngeal dysphagia: With oropharyngeal dysphagia, you have trouble moving food, liquid, or saliva from your mouth into your throat. Patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia present with difficulty in initiating swallowing and may also have associated coughing, choking, or nasal regurgitation.
What is the name of the phobia that causes a lump in the throat?
Dysphagia can also be a symptom of a specific phobia, such as: Phagophobia: Phagophobia is a fear of swallowing. Anxiety and tension can cause the throat muscles to constrict, feeling to some like "a lump in the throat.".
What is the name of the condition where food sticks to the throat?
Esophageal (or obstructive) dysphagia: Patients with esophageal dysphagia present with the sensation of food sticking in their throat or chest. With esophageal dysphagia, you have difficulty passing food down the esophagus (the tube which goes from your mouth to your stomach).
How do you know if you have dysphagia?
When you have difficulty swallowing due to functional dysphagia, you may be experiencing one or more of the following symptoms: The sensation of food and/or medication getting stuck in the esophagus. Regurgitation of food. Coughing and/or choking with eating and drinking.
Why is it difficult to swallow solid food?
Neuromuscular symptom complex: Those with neuromuscular dysphagia experience gradually progressive difficulty in swallowing solid food and liquids due to neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease , multiple sclerosis , and motor neuron disease or damage to the central nervous system.
