When to See a Doctor with Swallowing Problems
Causes of Dysphagia
There are
many different causes of dysphagia, but there are a handful of usual suspects
including:
●
Stroke
●
Dementia
●
Cancer
(especially of the esophagus, neck, and head) and radiation therapy (in some
cases)
●
Head
injury
●
Gastric
reflux (GERD)
Given the
serious nature of some of these culprits, you shouldn't ignore swallowing
problems unless there is a clear reason for them.
Treating Dysphagia at Home
The cause
of dysphagia will determine how you are treated for it. For mild problems such
as sore throats and dry mouth, you can simply gargle with a saltwater mix to
cleanse the throat. If you’ve got mild acid reflux, you should avoid
aggravating substances including caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol.
If your
dysphagia is serious, you
will need to use a thickening agent to give liquids more substance; we recommend SimplyThick thickener. By adjusting the texture of your foods,
you will reduce the risk of choking. Alongside thickeners, you will likely be recommended a pureed food
diet so that you can get the necessary nutrients safely.
When to See a Doctor
If you have
persistent issues with swallowing, and you’ve tried appropriate measures at
home, then it's time to book a doctor's appointment. Outside of swallowing
issues, dysphagia can present the following symptoms:
●
Inability
to chew food
●
Weight
loss, vomiting, and regurgitation
●
Constant
drooling
●
Feeling
of food stuck in the chest or throat
When you
have issues with swallowing medications, this is also a good sign that you
should contact a doctor. There are an estimated 40% of American adults that struggle to swallow pills, or
simply don’t like them; your doctor can prescribe alternative treatments.
Dysphagia and Pneumonia
There are
serious cases where dysphagia can cause pneumonia. This happens when food
particles enter the trachea accidentally. From there, the food enters the lungs
and breaks down, which causes an infection. Symptoms of aspiration pneumonia
include:
●
Fever
●
Chest
pains.
●
Having
a gurgled voice when drinking or eating
●
Breathing
difficulties - wheezing, short breath, and shallow breathing
●
Coughing
while drinking and eating
●
Chills
If you
notice these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, you should seek medical
attention straight away.
Swallowing difficulties, medically known as
dysphagia, can be caused by a range of conditions. There are techniques you can
try at home to deal with mild swallowing issues, but you need to see a doctor
when symptoms escalate; your dysphagia could point to a more serious underlying
condition.
