what is a common treatment for persons with swallowing difficulties

Who treats swallowing disorders?

Once your doctor diagnoses the exact type of swallowing disorder you have, an individualized treatment plan can begin immediately. Treatment options include: Medication. Swallowing retraining. Botulinum toxin. Dilation. Enteral feeding. Esophageal stent placement. Surgery. Treatment for specific swallowing disorders. Medication

What medications cause difficulty swallowing?

For some, however, consuming enough foods and liquids by mouth may no longer be possible. These individuals must use other methods to nourish their bodies. Usually this involves a feeding system, such as a feeding tube, that bypasses or supplements the part of the swallowing mechanism that is not working normally.

What diseases cause swallowing problems?

Gastroenterologists perform endoscopies, a frequently used diagnostic procedure for swallowing disorders. Your doctor may perform an endoscopy to examine the esophagus and stomach. An endoscope is a thin, lighted tube with a camera at its tip that allows your doctor a better view of your condition. During an endoscopy: You are sedated.

What can cause difficulty swallowing?

Rehabilitation therapy might be all some patients need to successfully treat swallowing issues but sometimes – namely with esophageal dysphagia –patients may require medical or surgical treatment. Medical treatment can include taking antacids or …

What to do if you have difficulty swallowing?

Severe dysphagia. If difficulty swallowing prevents you from eating and drinking adequately, your doctor may recommend: A special liquid diet. This may help you maintain a healthy weight and avoid dehydration. A feeding tube. In severe cases of dysphagia, you may need a feeding tube to bypass the part of your swallowing mechanism ...

How to help someone who is having trouble swallowing?

If you have trouble swallowing, be sure to see a doctor and follow his or her advice. Also, some things you can try to help ease your symptoms include: Changing your eating habits. Try eating smaller, more-frequent meals. Be sure to cut your food into smaller pieces, chew food thoroughly and eat more slowly.

What is the treatment for oropharyngeal dysphagia?

Oropharyngeal dysphagia. For oropharyngeal dysphagia, your doctor may refer you to a speech or swallowing therapist, and therapy may include: Learning exercises. Certain exercises may help coordinate your swallowing muscles or restimulate the nerves that trigger the swallowing reflex. Learning swallowing techniques.

How to help with dysphagia?

Learning swallowing techniques. You may also learn ways to place food in your mouth or to position your body and head to help you swallow. You may be taught exercises and new swallowing techniques to help compensate for dysphagia caused by neurological problems such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.

How to treat esophageal dysphagia?

For a tight esophageal sphincter (achalasia) or an esophageal stricture, your doctor may use an endoscope with a special balloon attached to gently stretch and expand the width of your esophagus or pass a flexible tube or tubes to stretch ...

What is the name of the instrument that is passed down your throat to see your esophagus?

A visual examination of your esophagus (endoscopy). A thin, flexible lighted instrument (endoscope) is passed down your throat so that your doctor can see your esophagus. Your doctor may also take biopsies of the esophagus to look for inflammation, eosinophilic esophagitis, narrowing or a tumor.

What is swallowing surgery?

Surgery may be recommended to relieve swallowing problems caused by throat narrowing or blockages, including bony outgrowths, vocal cord paralysis, pharyngoesophageal diverticulum, GERD and achalasia, or to treat esophageal cancer. Speech and swallowing therapy is usually helpful after surgery.

What causes difficulty 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.

How to treat esophageal obstruction?

Treating esophageal obstruction. Go to the ER if you swallowed something sharp (like a bone), the food feels like it’s stuck for a while, or you can’t even swallow saliva. You may need to have an endoscopy to remove the obstruction. If you have symptoms of esophageal or stomach cancer, see your doctor immediately .

Why is it so hard to swallow?

Difficulty swallowing can be caused by something as simple as not chewing your food enough but can also be a sign of serious conditions, such as a stroke or cancer. Fellow, New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia.

How long does a TIA last?

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) often called a “mini-stroke” can cause similar symptoms as a stroke, but it lasts for less than 24 hours. After a stroke or TIA, you may have weakened muscles of the oropharynx (the middle part of your throat) or it may affect your swallowing reflex.

What is the sphincter in the esophagus?

The upper esophagus is composed of a sphincter a bundle of muscles that are important for control of eating and protecting the airway. The lower esophagus also has a sphincter that closes and contracts to prevent acid and stomach contents from going back into the esophagus. Conditions that cause esophageal difficulties in swallowing can be categorized as muscular or structural.

What is GERD in infants?

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) in infants refers to the passage of stomach contents into the throat causing troublesome symptoms, such as feeding intolerance, inadequate oral intake of calories and/or poor weight gain. Vomiting or visible regurgitation ..

What is a TIA?

Transient ischemic attack, or TIA, is sometimes called a "mini stroke" or a "warning stroke." Any stroke means that blood flow somewhere in the brain has been blocked by a clot.

Why do older people have difficulty swallowing?

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.

What is VFSS in swallowing?

A videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) is a test in which a clinician takes a videotaped X-ray of the entire swallowing process by having you consume several foods or liquids along with the mineral barium to improve visibility of the digestive tract.

Can cancer cause swallowing problems?

In addition, cancer of the head, neck, or esophagus may cause swallowing problems. Sometimes the treatment for these types of cancers can cause dysphagia. Injuries of the head, neck, and chest may also create swallowing problems. An infection or irritation can cause narrowing of the esophagus. Finally, for people with dementia, memory loss ...

Why is it so hard to chew food?

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.

How many muscles are involved in swallowing?

Swallowing is a complex process. Some 50 pair s of muscles and many nerves work to receive food into the mouth, prepare it, and move it from the mouth to the stomach. 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.

Can a stroke affect swallowing?

Additionally, stroke or head injury may weaken or affect the coordination of the swallowing muscles or limit sensation in the mouth and throat. People born with abnormalities of the swallowing mechanism may not be able to swallow normally.

How long does it take for food to pass through the esophagus?

The passage through the esophagus, called the esophageal phase, usually occurs in about three seconds, depending on the texture or consistency of the food, but can take slightly longer in some cases, such as when swallowing a pill.

What is swallowing disorder?

Swallowing Disorders. Swallowing is a set of coordinated muscle movements that control the mouth, the back of the throat (pharynx) and the food tube (esophagus). Swallowing occurs without us even thinking about it, yet it is a complex and vital function, as it is very important to eating and social interaction.

What is the term for the feeling of food sticking in the throat?

Dysphagia — a sense of food "sticking" on the way down and difficulty passing food or liquid from the mouth to the esophagus to the stomach. Choking — a feeling of food or liquid sticking in the throat or esophagus followed by coughing. Regurgitation — the return of food or liquid back to the mouth or pharynx after it successfully passed.

How long does a catheter stay in your nose?

The catheter stays in your nose for a period of 24 hours.

What is an endoscope?

An endoscope is a thin, lighted tube with a camera at its tip that allows your doctor a better view of your condition. During an endoscopy:

What is esophageal manometry?

An esophageal manometry evaluates the changes in pressure that happen when you swallow. During an esophageal manometry: Your nurse will pass a thin, flexible catheter through your nose or mouth, down your throat and into your stomach.

Can swallowing problems be serious?

If you have trouble swallowing, you may have just one problem (like pain with swallowing) or you may experience a few different problems (like difficulty when starting to swallow and then coughing during the swallow). Since some swallowing disorders may be serious, it is important to get a proper diagnosis. Johns Hopkins gastroenterologists can ...

Why is swallowing difficult?

Swallowing problems can sometimes be related to dental issues, such as difficulty swallowing with dentures or trouble swallowing after dental work. Although practicing good oral care won't directly relieve dysphagia, it's crucial to preventing and minimizing swallowing issues.

What is the cause of dysphagia?

Dysphagia Causes. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), dysphagia happens when there is a problem with the structures, muscles, and neural control of the swallowing process. Weak muscles in the tongue or cheek, stroke, another nervous system disorder, surgery, ...

What causes food to get stuck in throat?

Esophageal dysphagia: This is feeling the sensation of food getting stuck to the base of your throat or in your chest after you’ve started the swallowing process. This is where GERD, tumors, a narrowed esophagus, or built up tissue in the throat may cause dysphagia.

How to get rid of lumps in throat?

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily in between teeth with a water flosser or other interdental cleaning device. Remember that swallowing is a complex process, and feeling a lump in your throat might be caused by something more serious than a reaction to a sad movie.

Is it normal to have a lump in your throat?

Medical and Surgical Treatments. Dental Care and Dysphagia. Occasionally experiencing swallowing difficulty due to a "lump in your throat” is normal. But if difficulty swallowing is an ongoing issue, it may be a sign of dysphagia, a swallowing disorder. Dysphagia is more common in the elderly due to weak throat muscles.

Why is it difficult to swallow food?

Aspiration pneumonia. Food or liquid entering your airway when you try to swallow can cause aspiration pneumonia, because the food can introduce bacteria to the lungs.

Why is it so hard to swallow?

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) means it takes more time and effort to move food or liquid from your mouth to your stomach. Dysphagia may also be associated with pain. In some cases, swallowing may be impossible. Occasional difficulty swallowing, which may occur when you eat too fast or don't chew your food well enough, ...

What is the esophagus?

Overview. The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects your mouth and your stomach. Rings of muscle (sphincters) in the upper and lower portions contract and relax to allow food and liquid to pass. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) means it takes more time and effort to move food or liquid from your mouth to your stomach.

How do you know if you have dysphagia?

Signs and symptoms associated with dysphagia may include: Having pain while swallowing (odynophagia) Being unable to swallow. Having the sensation of food getting stuck in your throat or chest or behind your breastbone (sternum) Drooling. Being hoarse. Bringing food back up (regurgitation) Having frequent heartburn.

What does it mean when you feel food sticking to your throat?

Esophageal dysphagia refers to the sensation of food sticking or getting hung up in the base of your throat or in your chest after you've started to swallow. Some of the causes of esophageal dysphagia include:

Is dysphagia a sign of aging?

But, dysphagia isn't considered a normal sign of aging. Certain health conditions.

What causes oropharyngeal dysphagia?

Causes of oropharyngeal dysphagia include: Neurological disorders. 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 your ability to swallow.

What causes a person to have difficulty swallowing?

Conditions that damage the brain and nerves can cause dysphagia, including: 1 stroke – almost half of all people who have had a stroke will have difficulty with swallowing 2 head injury 3 Parkinson’s disease 4 motor neurone disease (MND) 5 dementia 6 cerebral palsy 7 achalasia (a condition affecting the oesophagus (the food pipe) that prevents food from entering the stomach properly)

What is the term for the difficulty swallowing of food?

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) Eating and drinking, for hydration, nutrition and pleasure, is a vital part of our life. Difficulty swallowing can limit what people can eat and drink, leading to frustration, stress and even health problems.

What are the symptoms of dysphagia?

Early signs of dysphagia are coughing, gagging or choking while eating and drinking . Dysphagia is a common problem affecting elderly people. It can lead to aspiration, which means food or drink go into the airway rather than the stomach. Dysphagia and aspiration can lead to dehydration, malnutrition and pneumonia.

How to treat a swollen stomach?

learning new swallowing techniques. doing exercises to help muscles work better and stimulate nerves that trigger the swallowing reflex. taking medication to reduce stomach acid reflux or relax your oesophagus.

Why do babies have difficulty sucking?

regular chest infections for no obvious reason. Babies that have difficulty sucking during breast or bottle feeding could have dysphagia.

How do you know if you have trouble swallowing?

Some people have trouble swallowing any substance, even their own saliva. You may have additional symptoms, including: pain when swallowing. sore throat. choking . coughing. gurgling or regurgitating food or stomach acids. feeling that food is stuck behind your breastbone.

How to help dysphagia?

Eat small meals frequently instead of three large meals daily. Moderate to severe dysphagia may require you to follow a soft or liquid diet. Avoid sticky foods, such as jam or peanut butter, and be sure to cut your foods into small pieces to make swallowing easier. Discuss nutritional needs with your doctor.

What foods cause acid reflux?

Symptoms may act up when you consume foods that are common triggers for acid reflux, such as: 1 tomato-based products 2 citrus fruits and juices 3 fatty or fried foods 4 alcohol 5 caffeinated beverages 6 chocolate 7 peppermint

What is dysphagia in GERD?

What is dysphagia? Dysphagia is when you have difficulty swallowing. You may experience this if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Dysphagia may occur occasionally or on a more regular basis. The frequency depends on the severity of your reflux and your treatment.

What is the purpose of fundoplication?

Fundoplication: In this procedure, the upper area of the stomach encircles the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to act as a support system. The LES, a muscle at the base of the esophagus, becomes stronger and less likely to open so that acids can’t reflux into the throat.

Is surgery necessary for GERD?

Surgery may be necessary for patients dealing with severe reflux that is unresponsive to medication and lifestyle changes. Some surgical procedures used to treat GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal strictures can also reduce or eliminate episodes of dysphagia. These procedures include:

What is dysphagia in the esophagus?

This is known as an esophageal stricture. In some cases, dysphagia can be a direct result of esophageal damage. The lining of the esophagus can alter to resemble the tissue that lines your intestines. This is a condition called Barrett’s esophagus.

Diagnosis

• Your health care provider will likely ask you for a description and history of your swallowing difficulties, perform a physical examination, and use various tests to find the cause of your swallowing problem. Tests can include: 1. X-ray with a contrast material (barium X-ray). You drink a barium solution that coats your esophagus, making it easier to see on X-rays. Your health care …

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