Learning More Regarding The Disorder Known As Dysphagia

By Author: Jo Alelsto
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Dysphagia is a condition characterized by swallowing difficulties usually due to weak muscles in the throat and mouth areas. It has many causes, mainly involving poor saliva production, problems with the brain or nerves that lead to the mouth and throat, and esophageal injury or damage. Many cases of this condition involve the elderly, especially those who suffered from stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis. People with disorders of the nervous system and those with spinal cord, head, and neck injury may also suffer from this condition. In some cases, patients who sustained throat or mouth inflammation, burns, or infection can also have difficulty swallowing.

It is a troublesome condition for any patient. In fact, it seems an understatement to say that it's troublesome because if someone cannot swallow food or water normally, eating or drinking becomes an ordeal. There are many ways to find out if a patient is suffering from dysphagia. In most cases, patients with this condition appear to be swallowing all the time and clearing their throats every now and then. Also, when they ...
... eat, food and saliva come out of their mouth and they may eat better if they eat slowly. There is a problem when it comes to diagnosis because many people with swallowing problems don't acknowledge the presence of the problem. As a result, it can go unnoticed and the disorder is left without treatment.

The condition has varying degrees, ranging from mild to severe. Some people feel as though food and water are constantly trapped inside the throat. This is a severe case and if this is accompanied by pain as the food passes down to the stomach then this is an acute case. People suffering from severe case of swallowing disorder may suffer from other problems brought about by improper eating. Because these people cannot eat normally, food is often improperly digested, too. Hence, they also suffer from nutrient malabsorption. Also, liquids tend to descend into the larynx and trachea and may get to the lungs, causing pneumonia.

The swallowing disorder discussed here is not always curable, although there are treatments available. Doctors can only recommend means to ease discomfort when eating and swallowing, and this includes modifying the diet and helping the patient to swallow in the different manner. In dire cases, surgical treatment is the option. If you are having swallowing problems, then it is strongly advised that you visit your doctor for prompt diagnosis. Do not expect, however, that you will immediately be given a pill because usually a doctor will give instructions on how you can eat food and drink liquids easier.

Now, patients need help because difficulty in swallowing is a serious problem with serious consequences when left untreated. These people can become dehydrated or starved, both of which can lead to serious nutritional problems. Another thing is these people need help so that food and water do not enter the wrong passage during swallowing, an event that is common among people with the terrible condition. For instance, water may get into the lungs through the trachea when swallowing. If this constantly occurs, pneumonia can develop.

Accurate diagnosis precedes treatment and that is why you need to see a doctor for prompt examination. Treatment shall be based upon the degree of your swallowing problem. It can involve surgery during dire cases. A therapy that involves swallowing modification and change in diet plan may work in mild cases. Patients have an active role in the treatment process, so they actually affect the success of the treatment to some extent. If you understand your condition and cooperate in the treatment process, you have a better chance at experiencing alleviation. Do not hesitate to tell your physician if you think the treatment is not working for you.
Jo is a content writer for 'Dysphagia' (http://www.dysphagia.org.uk), a web page owned by Fresenius Kabi, a healthcare enterprise expert in specific fields of infusion theraphy and clinical nutrition having more than fifteen years know-how in giving people who have dysphagia with Thick & Easyâ„¢, Britain's premier instant food thickener. If ever you have or know somebody who has swallowing problems then check out Dysphagia.org.uk.