Dysphagia
Dysphagia is a condition where an individual cannot easily swallow liquids or food. It can be dangerous because there’s a possibility that those with this medical problem may choke when eating. It’s also relatively common, with fifteen million Americans being affected by it and around one in twenty-five experiencing it. It may not always be an indication of a health condition. Often, it’s temporary and may go away by itself.
In some cases, dysphagia is a symptom of a medical condition, including GERD and acid reflux, strep throat, heartburn, epiglottitis, goiter, esophagitis, esophageal cancer, herpes esophagitis, thyroid nodule, infectious mononucleosis, Zenker’s diverticulum, and snake bites. Other conditions that can produce swallowing trouble due to an illness or the treatment are stroke, dementia, throat or neck cancer, head injury, neurological disorders, the flu, and muscular dystrophy.
The symptoms of dysphagia can depend on the condition triggering it. These can include drooling, hoarse voice, regurgitation, unexpected loss of weight, heartburn, coughing, discomfort when swallowing, and recurrent pneumonia. If your dysphagia persists, it’s recommended to get checked by a doctor to determine the cause and treat the underlying condition. Without treatment, the condition can cause complications like malnutrition and dehydration.
