Symptoms & Causes
of Swallowing Disorders
Pain or problems while swallowing called dysphagia
Brain damage, nerve damage, cancer, stomach reflux and even old food can cause difficulty swallowing.
Symptoms can include not being able to swallow, drooling, hoarseness, heartburn and severe coughing or gagging.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Interview and physical exam, cineradiography [ Barium Swallow ] upper food passage endoscopy and manometry.
Treatments for difficulty swallowing are depend on cause.
Prevention
eat slowly, chew food thoroughly and drink plenty of water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What are swallowing disorders, and why do they occur?
Swallowing disorders, also called dysphagia, happen when you have difficulty moving food or liquids from your mouth to your stomach. Causes can include neurological conditions like stroke or Parkinson’s disease, structural problems in the throat or esophagus, or age-related muscle weakness. Recognizing the underlying cause early is important to prevent malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia.
How can you recognize the signs of a swallowing disorder?
Common signs include:
Difficulty chewing or moving food in your mouth.
Coughing or choking while eating or drinking.
Sensation of food sticking in the throat or chest.
Pain or discomfort when swallowing.
Unexplained weight loss or recurrent respiratory infections.
Noticing these early allows timely evaluation and tailored treatment.
How does your ENT team approach swallowing disorders differently?
Our specialists provide a personalized, comprehensive approach:
Detailed assessment of your swallowing function using advanced diagnostic tools like videofluoroscopy or endoscopic evaluation.
Identification of the exact stage and type of swallowing difficulty.
Development of a targeted therapy plan, which may include exercises, dietary modifications, or medical/surgical interventions.
Continuous monitoring and adjustment to ensure progress and prevent complications.
You get care that addresses both immediate difficulties and long-term swallowing safety.
What treatment options are available for swallowing disorders?
Treatment is tailored to your condition:
Therapeutic exercises to strengthen swallowing muscles.
Dietary adjustments to improve safety and ease of swallowing.
Medical interventions for underlying causes like reflux or neurological disorders.
Surgical procedures in structural abnormalities or severe cases.
Prompt, customized treatment helps restore normal swallowing and reduces health risks.
Can swallowing disorders affect different age groups differently?
Yes. Children may experience feeding difficulties and growth delays. Older adults may have reduced swallowing efficiency due to age-related changes or neurological conditions. Our team evaluates age-specific challenges to provide safe and effective interventions for every patient.
What are the risks if swallowing disorders are left untreated?
Untreated swallowing difficulties can lead to:
Aspiration pneumonia from food or liquid entering the lungs.
Malnutrition and dehydration.
Weight loss and fatigue.
Reduced quality of life due to fear of eating or social discomfort.
Early evaluation and treatment prevent these serious complications.
How can you manage mild swallowing difficulties at home?
You can support treatment with simple strategies:
Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
Chew food thoroughly and eat slowly.
Stay upright during and after meals.
Avoid foods that are difficult to swallow without guidance from your specialist.
These measures complement professional care and improve safety.
When should you seek urgent medical attention for swallowing problems?
Seek help immediately if you experience:
Sudden inability to swallow liquids or solids.
Choking episodes or severe coughing while eating.
Painful swallowing accompanied by fever.
Signs of aspiration, like difficulty breathing or chest discomfort.
Prompt intervention reduces the risk of serious complications and ensures safer swallowing.