What Could Cause Trouble Swallowing?
October 6, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from benign and temporary conditions to more serious underlying medical issues. The causes of trouble swallowing can be categorized into two main types: oropharyngeal dysphagia and esophageal dysphagia, depending on where the problem occurs in the swallowing process. Here are some common causes of trouble swallowing:
- Oropharyngeal dysphagia (problems in the mouth and throat):a. Neurological disorders: Conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can affect the muscles and nerves involved in swallowing.b. Structural issues: Abnormalities in the mouth or throat, such as tumors, strictures, or the presence of foreign objects, can obstruct the passage of food or liquids.c. Muscle weakness or dysfunction: Weak or uncoordinated muscle movements in the mouth or throat can result from conditions like muscular dystrophy or myasthenia gravis.d. Infections or inflammation: Conditions like tonsillitis or pharyngitis can lead to pain and difficulty swallowing.
- Esophageal dysphagia (problems in the esophagus):a. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Chronic acid reflux can damage the esophagus and lead to inflammation, strictures, or narrowing, causing difficulty in swallowing.b. Esophageal strictures: Narrowing of the esophagus due to conditions such as scar tissue, tumors, or chronic inflammation can impede the passage of food.c. Achalasia: A rare disorder characterized by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, causing difficulty in moving food into the stomach.d. Eosinophilic esophagitis: An inflammatory condition that can cause narrowing and difficulty in swallowing due to an overabundance of eosinophils in the esophagus.e. Zenker’s diverticulum: A pouch that forms in the esophagus can trap food and lead to difficulty swallowing.f. Esophageal motility disorders: Conditions that affect the normal muscular contractions of the esophagus, such as diffuse esophageal spasm or scleroderma, can cause difficulty swallowing.
- Psychological factors: In some cases, anxiety or fear related to swallowing (known as globus sensation or globus pharyngeus) can lead to a sensation of difficulty swallowing, even when there is no physical obstruction.
- Aging: As people age, changes in the muscles and tissues of the throat and esophagus can contribute to mild swallowing difficulties.
- Medications: Some medications, particularly those that can dry out the mouth or cause drowsiness, may lead to swallowing problems.
It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider if you or someone you know experiences persistent or worsening difficulty swallowing. A thorough evaluation can help determine the underlying cause, and treatment options will depend on the specific diagnosis. Treatment may include dietary modifications, speech therapy, medications, lifestyle changes, or medical procedures to address the underlying issue. In some cases, especially when there is suspicion of a serious condition like cancer, further diagnostic tests such as endoscopy or imaging may be necessary.