What Is Dysphagia?

Click image to view full diagram

Swallowing seems like a simple task. It's actually a complicated process. When you move food from your mouth to your stomach, you use many different muscles and nerves. As a result of some neurological diseases or a variety of other conditions, your muscles and nerves can weaken or stop working properly. This causes difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia (pronounced dis-fay-ja).

Learn more about:
DIAGNOSING DYSPHAGIA  |  TREATMENT OPTIONS

Symptoms of Dysphagia

Dysphagia feels different from having a sore throat. Some symptoms you may experience from dysphagia include:

• Frequent coughing
• Unintended weight loss
• Difficulty controlling liquids in your mouth
• Having a wet or gurgly voice, especially after a swallow
• Feeling as though you have a lump in your throat
• Drooling
• Choking on food or saliva

You may also notice you need more time than usual to swallow your food and you may need to swallow multiple times for each bite. Another sign is that you are stricken with upper respiratory infections more often than usual. This happens because sometimes food may accidentally enter your airway, which introduces bacteria into your lungs.

Why Dysphagia Develops

You may have developed dysphagia for a variety of reasons. It can occur because of certain prescription medications you take, and even if you have ill-fitting dentures. Other conditions that can also make you more include:

• Stroke
• Cancer of the throat or mouth
• Multiple sclerosis
• ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease)
• Parkinson's disease
• Alzheimer's disease
• Head or neck injury
• Unmanaged GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Dysphagia is challenging, but you can manage it. Millions Americans do every day. You may feel anxious that you will no longer be able to enjoy eating, but solutions are available that can help you enjoy many of your favorite meals in spite of this condition.