What is Dysphagia? Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Most of us take swallowing for granted until it gets complicated. Dysphagia is a medical condition in which people have difficulty swallowing. It can make even something as simple as eating or drinking overwhelming. Dysphagia affects many people and comes with many challenges, but understanding it is the first step towards managing it. In this blog, we will explain what dysphagia is, its causes, and treatment options. Please note that this blog is for informational purposes only. To seek professional advice, book an appointment with the best ENT specialist in Jaipur at CK Birla Hospital.

What is dysphagia?

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a medical condition that includes brain disorders, nervous system disorders, muscle disorders, and physical blockages in the throat. People with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing, making it difficult to eat or nourish the body. Various muscles and nerves work together to move food from the mouth to the stomach. 

However, swallowing can become difficult when there is a problem with the way it works. You may choke or cough when you try to swallow food, drink, or even your own saliva. The causes of swallowing problems might vary; treatment depends on the cause.

What are the types of dysphagia?

Dysphagia is divided into three categories: oral dysphagia, oropharyngeal dysphagia, and esophageal dysphagia. 

Type of Dysphagia	Where the Problem Is	Explanation
Oral Dysphagia	Mouth	Issues with chewing or preparing food using the jaw, teeth, and tongue.
Oropharyngeal Dysphagia	Throat	Trouble moving food from the mouth to the throat. Also called transfer dysphagia.
Esophageal Dysphagia	Esophagus	Difficulty pushing food down to the stomach through the oesophagus.

Key Points:

• Oral dysphagia: This happens when saliva does not chew or soften food properly.
• Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: The tongue struggles to move food to the throat, and the voice box may not close properly.
• Esophageal Dysphagia: The oesophagus cannot push food smoothly down to the stomach.

What are the symptoms of dysphagia?

In most cases, people have dysphagia; they are not aware of it. When left undiagnosed and untreated, it can increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia. It is a lung infection caused by accidentally inhaling saliva or food.

Symptoms linked to dysphagia include:

• Coughing or gagging while swallowing.
• Drooling or choking when eating.
• Food or stomach acid coming back up into the throat.
• Frequent heartburn or hoarseness.
• Feeling like food is stuck in the throat, chest, or behind the breastbone.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Bringing food back up (regurgitation).
• Trouble keeping food in the mouth or starting to swallow.
• Recurrent pneumonia.
• Difficulty controlling saliva.
• Feeling like “food is stuck.”

What are the causes of dysphagia? 

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, occurs when muscles, nerves, or structures involved in swallowing are affected by certain conditions. Here are the common causes of this condition. 

Cause	Details
Nerve and Muscle Damage	Conditions like Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy, or stroke can weaken swallowing muscles.
Birth Abnormalities	Issues like a cleft palate make swallowing difficult for infants.
Cancer and Treatment	Head, neck, or esophageal cancer and its treatments may affect swallowing.
Injury	Damage to the head, neck, or chest can cause swallowing problems.
Infection or Irritation	Can narrow the oesophagus, making swallowing hard.
Dementia	Memory loss and cognitive decline can impair chewing and swallowing.

How is dysphagia diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing trouble swallowing, consult with a healthcare provider. They will conduct a physical examination to identify the main cause of your condition. They may recommend various tests to check the structures in your head and neck involved in swallowing. Here’s an overview of common tests:

• Barium Swallow Test: In which an X-ray will be conducted where your radiologist will provide you with a barium solution to drink. They check how your throat and oesophagus work while swallowing through an X-ray report. 

• FEES (Fiberoptic Swallowing Test): A small camera monitors your swallowing process while you eat dyed food. In this examination, a small camera is put into your nose to see how your voice box and the top of your oesophagus perform. 

Once the camera's in place, you'll be provided with liquids, foods, and a dye that makes them appear on camera. Through this camera, your doctor will monitor the swallowing process and check if food enters your airway.

• Esophageal Manometry: In this process, your gastroenterologist inserts a tube from your nose to your stomach. Once the tube is placed, they ask you to drink water. A tube measures muscle contractions in your oesophagus as you swallow.

• Upper Endoscopy (EGD): Your gastroenterologist will put a scope down your throat to take pictures of your throat, oesophagus, and stomach to detect narrowing, tumours, or other issues.

• Laryngoscopy: A tiny scope examines your throat and voice box for any irregularities. 

• Modified Barium Swallow: In the presence of a speech-language pathologist, you’ll be provided barium-coated food and liquids to check how your mouth, throat, and oesophagus work while swallowing through an X-ray. 

These tests may sound intimidating, but they’re vital steps to pinpoint the cause and guide your treatment.

CTA

If you're experiencing difficulty swallowing, don’t ignore it. Consult with your doctor to get the best possible treatment. Book an appointment (link).

Conclusion 

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can affect anyone—from children to the elderly—and it often feels isolating. But you’re not alone. Whether caused by medical conditions, ageing, or temporary issues, dysphagia can disrupt your life in unexpected ways. Understanding the main cause, symptoms, and treatment options can help you manage your condition. 

FAQ

 

Is dysphagia life-threatening?

Dysphagia can be life-threatening if it leads to choking or aspiration pneumonia, so it's important to seek treatment if swallowing becomes difficult.

Can dysphagia go away on its own?

In some cases, dysphagia may improve on its own, but if it persists, medical attention is needed to avoid complications.

What foods should be avoided with dysphagia?

Avoid foods that are hard to swallow, like dry meats, tough fruits, nuts, and choking hazards like popcorn or hard candy.

What exercises can help improve swallowing?

Swallowing exercises, such as tongue and throat strengthening, can help improve swallowing, usually guided by a speech therapist.

How is dysphagia treated in elderly patients?

Treatment for elderly patients may include swallowing therapy, dietary changes, or, in severe cases, feeding tubes to ensure proper nutrition.