Causes and Symptoms of Dysphagia

Dysphagia is a medical condition in which a person experiences pain while swallowing. It may be a sensation that causes difficulty in the passage of food from the mouth to the stomach.

Dysphagia is of two types

1.Esophageal dysphagia: In this type of dysphagia a person may feel that the food is hung up at the base of the throat. Esophageal dysphagia is caused when food or foreign particles block the esophagus or due to gastroesophageal reflex disease where in the acids from the stomach moves up to the esophagus. Another major cause could be presence of esophageal tumours in the esophagus.

2.Oropharyngeal dysphagia: In this type of dysphagia, the throat muscles become weak, making swallowing a difficult task. Oropharyngeal dysphagia may occur if the person is suffering from cancer and undergoing treatment for it. Neurological disorders like sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and spinal cord injury many all lead to oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Symptoms of dysphagia

• Difficulty in swallowing
• Pain in the throat
• Pain in chest
• Coughing /Choking
• Heartburn
• Unexplained weight loss
• Hoarseness
• Foods move to the mouth after swallowing

Complications involved in dysphagia are;

1.       Dysphagia may make swallowing of food difficult which will lead to weight loss and dehydration.

2.       Dysphagia may also lead to respiratory problems like pneumonia and upper respiratory infections in case the food enters his airway.

A speech pathology physician is the best doctor to consult with in case you are suffering from dysphagia. Get it treated at the right time to avoid complications.