Swallowing Disorders

Swallowing Disorders, Also Known As Dysphagia, Is A Medical Condition That Affects The Way Food And Liquid Is Passed From The Mouth To The Stomach. Swallowing Disorders Can Be Caused By A Variety Of Factors, Such As Muscle Or Nerve Damage, Stroke, Brain Injury, Or Even Certain Medical Conditions. Symptoms Of Swallowing Disorders Can Include Difficulty Starting A Swallow, Difficulty Controlling The Food Or Liquid While Swallowing, A Sensation Of Food Sticking In The Throat, Difficulty Breathing While Eating, And Even Coughing Or Choking During Meals. In Severe Cases, A Person May Be Unable To Swallow At All. Treatment Of Swallowing Disorders May Involve Physical Therapy Or Speech Therapy To Help Improve Swallowing Function. Surgery Is Sometimes Necessary To Correct Muscle Or Nerve Damage. Medications Can Also Be Prescribed To Treat Muscle Spasms Or To Relax The Muscles Of The Throat. In Some Cases, A Feeding Tube May Be Necessary To Provide Nutrition. If Left Untreated, Swallowing Disorders Can Cause Serious Health Complications. Aspiration Pneumonia, A Type Of Lung Infection Caused By Breathing Food Or Liquid Into The Lungs, Is A Common Complication. Swallowing Disorders Can Also Lead To Malnutrition Or Dehydration If The Person Is Unable To Eat Or Drink Enough.