Difficulty swallowing: Learn about the causes and effects of dysphagia

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Do you know what the term dysphagia means? Have you heard this word somewhere before? If you have never heard a single mention of it, being a true first-time sailor, without knowing anything about it, let us tell you what it means.

Dysphagia is simply a difficulty swallowing, swallowing or ingesting liquids or solid foods, that is, taking the food bolus from the throat to the stomach, which can happen to anyone, at any age and at any time of life.

But, what are the causes and effects that dysphagia causes in our body?

Let’s, then, get to know each one.

Difficulty swallowing: Know the main causes

Talking about main causes when we refer to some symptom, most of the time is a bit complex and even a bit strange; because, the human body is always a mystery and each organism behaves in a way.

But, what about dysphagia?

But, in the case of dysphagia, difficulty swallowing, we basically know that it is an alteration that can be caused by structural or functional lesions of the esophagus region. The esophagus is a tube that carries food to the stomach, both liquids and solids.

For better understanding we divide these causes into three levels: simple, important and serious.

Simple causes

At first, referring to causes “simple“, they may not be some disease that brings concerns, but, just for a habit that is a villain not only for the health of our throat, but of the teeth and mouth in general.

I’m talking about incorrect feeding, caused by:

• A quick and inadequate chewing;
• Attempt to swallow very large foods;
• Very hot foods;
• Try to swallow while talking or laughing; 
• One of the worst, trying to eat almost lying down.

Many think that this is a big nonsense, not influencing anything, but if this was not so serious and directly affected our health, would other health professionals, besides gastroenterologists and dentists, also pass the same guidelines?

Of course not!

These guidelines, always insisted by our parents since childhood, which accompany us throughout life, make a lot of difference.

That’s because such bad habits can provoke the evolution of symptoms, such as functional or motor dysphagia, which are muscular or neurological disorders of the organs that are part of the swallowing process, that is, diseases of the muscles of the esophagus and the nerves make the esophagus work, scientifically speaking.

Did you see, how a simple detail, like eating calmly and quietly can have a positive and preventive effect for us?

If you have not followed these steps, through the ear pulls of parents until today, do not stop following them from now on, ok?

Important causes

In this second moment, let’s now, know some causes “important“, that require a little more attention and that can also be associated with difficulty swallowing, such as:

• Achalasia: it is a rare disorder that makes it difficult for liquids to enter the stomach which, in addition to difficulty swallowing, which is a typical characteristic, also has the presence of undesirable heartburn;
• Choking: It is a momentary respiratory paralysis caused by a blockage in the trachea, counting on cyanosis and coughs; and 
• Gastroesophageal reflux: it is the return of stomach acid, to the initial part of the trachea, triggering an irritation of the mucosa, also counting on symptoms such as: bitter mouth and cough after meals.

Did you see how the lack of basic care can, in the medium and long term, trigger the evolution to even greater discomforts?

Stay tuned!

Serious causes

And thirdly, about the causes “serious“, some are originated by slightly more severe problems, which can even be permanent, as described below:

• Stroke (CVA);
• Huntington’s disease;
• Parkinson’s disease;
• Multiple sclerosis;
• Alzheimer’s disease; 
• Cerebral palsy;
• Esophageal cancer.

Even a small discomfort, can become something more serious, so, after learning a little about the causes of dysphagia, let’s see how to diagnose?

How is the diagnosis of dysphagia made?

Know that if the person is with some of the primary symptoms reported earlier, staying for days, you should seek the specialist as soon as possible; because he will certainly perform some exams, such as, for example:

• Swallowing test: which aims to identify irregularities in the musculature of the mouth or throat;
• Digestive endoscopy: for analysis of the organs that make up the digestive system such as mouth, esophagus and stomach;
• X-ray with contrast: for a more precise visualization of the anatomy of the esophagus and stomach; 
• Manometry: more specific test to check the functioning of the muscles of the esophagus.

With the correct diagnosis in hand, it is much easier to start the correct treatment in advance and inhibit greater complications. So, how about knowing the most indicated treatments?

What are the most indicated treatments for dysphagia?

Entering now in the field of treatments, obviously all therapy should meet the focus of the problem, which will depend directly on what caused the difficulty swallowing.

The most known treatments are:

• Exercises for muscle strengthening: being the known rehabilitation therapies of the muscles responsible for the swallowing process;
• Medications: medications that control acid production may be indicated to aid in symptom control;
• Surgery: in more serious cases, the most indicated path may be surgical intervention. 

These are the important treatments, however, preventing by taking some precautions is still useful, see…

Care for those who are having difficulty swallowing

Knowing a little more about difficulty swallowing or dysphagia, its causes and the most appropriate treatments, some tips to avoid these undesirable symptoms are more than welcome.

And you even know what they are, recapping…

• Eating, avoiding very large foods, is indispensable;
• Vegetables and harder foods should be well cooked;
• Vary meals opting for soft foods like creamy soups, for example;
• Avoid thin juices, as they cause choking more easily; 
• Finally, chew food well.

Did you see how easy it is, observe our routine and correct small actions? Just follow some of these guidelines.

Conclusion

If you liked to know a little more about the subject difficulty swallowing, dysphagia, and want to always be aware of relevant information for the health of the digestive system, stay tuned to Gastroblog.

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