Dysphagia-Related Disorders Treatment in Indore

Dysphagia implies difficulty in swallowing. It is not a disease, but rather a clinical manifestation of numerous disorders in the mouth, throat, or oesophagus.

There are several nerves and muscles that are involved in the swallowing process, and therefore any problem with them may cause dysphagia.

1. Types of Dysphagia

A. Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

The inability to move food in the mouth to the upper oesophagus.

Common Causes

• Stroke

• Parkinson’s disease

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

• Muscular dystrophy

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• Brain injury / Trauma

• Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.

• Structural defects: cleft palate, tonsillar enlargement.

Symptoms

• Problem with the onset of swallowing.

• Choking or coughing during meals.

• Nasal sputum (liquid/food through the nose)

• Drooling

• Frequent throat clearing

• Weak voice after swallowing

B. Oesophageal Dysphagia

Problems in the passage of food via the oesophagus.

Common Causes

• Narrowing of the oesophagus (inflammatory or scarring oesophageal strictures).

• GERD / Acid reflux

• Achalasia (the lower oesophageal sphincter is unable to relax)

• Esophageal tumors

• Eosinophilic esophagitis

• Diverticula (oesophagus rupture)

• Foreign body obstruction (characteristic of children)

Symptoms

• Feeling food stuck in the chest

• Vomiting of undigested food.

• Heartburn

• Chest pain after eating

Problems with swallowing solid food or occasionally liquids.

2. Elaborated Purview of Dysphagia-associated Disorders.

1. Neurological Disorders

Addressing the conditions that impair the coordination of swallowing muscles:

• Stroke

• Parkinson’s

• Dementia

• ALS

• Cerebral palsy

These result in slowed or unsafe swallowing, choking and aspiration.

2. Muscle Disorders

• Diseases weaken or stiffen the muscles of swallowing:

• Myasthenia gravis

• Polymyositis

• Dermatomyositis

• Muscular dystrophy

The result is fatigue, difficulty in swallowing food, and food obstruction.

3. Structural Disorders

Blockages or abnormalities (physical):

• Tumors

• Narrowing (stricture) of the oesophagus.

• Webs or rings

• Goitre perforating the oesophagus.

• These inhibit the purée flow of food.

4. Gastrointestinal Disorders

GERD with scarring/inflammation.

• Achalasia

• Eosinophilic esophagitis

• Hiatal hernia

• These influence oesophagus motility or diameter.

5. Treatment-Related (Iatrogenic) Disorders.

Radiation therapy

• Post-surgical complications

• Oesophageal injury, caused by medication.

3. Dysphagia-Related Disorders Prevention.

Although it is not possible to eliminate all the causes of stroke (such as neurological disease), a great number of risk factors are reducible.

A. General Prevention

1. Moral, Oral and Throat Well-being.

• Treat dental problems

• Manage infections early

• Stay hydrated (aids in the secretion of saliva)

2. Manage Acid Reflux (GERD)

Avoid acidic, oily and spicy food.

Do not go to bed too soon after eating.

Eat smaller portions

Have a good body weight.

Elevate your head during sleep.

3. Avert Stroke and Neurological Threats.

Control blood pressure

Manage diabetes

Avoid smoking

Exercise regularly

Low-fat, low-salt balance diet.

4. Prevent Oesophageal Injury

Large pills should not be swallowed without water.

Please, do not keep kids on small objects.

Therapy of allergies to prevent eosinophilic esophagitis.

B. Lifestyle Advice to Lessen Difficulty Swallowing.

Eat slowly & chew thoroughly.

Sit upright while eating.

Take small bites and sips

Avoid talking while chewing

Do not take alcohol before dinner (less control of reflexes)

Maintain good posture

C. In the case of High-Risk Patients (elderly or neurological condition)

Refer to a speech-language therapist.

Eat on a prescribed texture-modified diet.

Use viscous liquids on recommendation.

Do prescribed swallowing exercises.

4. When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention in case of occurrence of:

• Constant difficulty in swallowing.

• Frequent choking

• Weight loss

• Vomiting after meals

• Chest pain while swallowing

• Recurrent chest infections

• Pneumonia as a result of aspiration, malnutrition and dehydration is prevented by early diagnosis.