What are the symptoms of dysphagia?
Common symptoms of dysphagia include:
- Feeling like food is stuck in your throat or chest
- Pain while swallowing
- Choking or coughing when eating or drinking
- Bringing food back up
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Losing weight without trying
What causes dysphagia?
Dysphagia can be caused by different issues, such as:
- Muscle problems that make swallowing difficult
- Conditions that affect the nerves involved in swallowing
- Blockages in the throat or oesophagus
- After having surgery, radiation, or certain medications
How common is dysphagia?
Dysphagia can happen to anyone, but it is more common in:
- Older adults, especially those over 60
- People with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease or Multiple Sclerosis
- Individuals who have had a stroke
How can I treat dysphagia?
Treating dysphagia depends on its cause. Potential treatments include:
- Swallowing therapy with a speech therapist to learn safe swallowing techniques
- Medications to help with the underlying condition
- Changing the texture of foods to make them easier to swallow
- Surgery to remove blockages, if necessary
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How to live with dysphagia?
If you have dysphagia, you may need to make some adjustments in your daily life. Some tips include:
- Eating slowly and taking smaller bites
- Drinking plenty of water with meals
- Staying upright while eating and for some time afterwards
- Choosing softer foods and avoiding very hot or very cold foods
Final thoughts
Dysphagia can be challenging, but there are ways to manage it. If you are experiencing trouble swallowing, it is important to speak to your GP or healthcare provider for advice and help.
