The most common causes and treatments associated with difficulty swallowing

The medical term for swallowing difficulties is dysphagia. This can be a most uncomfortable condition that understandably, can bring a little stress for those who suffer the effects. Patients often describe the sensation that food is stuck somewhere in his throat. Although usually take swallowing for granted when everything is going well, many people may have experienced difficulty swallowing at some point in their lives. This would not normally be a cause for concern. But the persistent difficulty swallowing can point to something more serious.

Swallowing problems may be triggered by a variety of causes, including blocks and nerve and muscle disorders. Because the nerves so many muscles are used during the act of swallowing, is quite complex. And when problems arise, we become more aware of the actual process of swallowing, while chewing the food and trying to get it down through the esophagus and into the stomach. For those with difficulty swallowing, this simple action is less straightforward. 

Eat slowly and chew food properly can sometimes facilitate swallowing difficulties, but if a person appears to be choking and show difficulty in swallowing or breathing, then it is possible that their main airway is blocked. Painful swallowing should always be brought to the attention from a doctor, who can perform an adequate physical examination. The doctor may ask the patient if they have trouble swallowing liquids, difficulty in swallowing food, or who have difficulty swallowing tablets. 

But crushing the tablet has both clinical and legal implications so sufferers should always discuss this with a doctor or pharmacist. It may be the case that medicines can be prescribed in a different form to that experiencing difficulty swallowing pills. Pill swallowing can be made easier by breaking larger tablets into two or four, to become a easier to slide down your throat, or even crush them and dispersing in water. In fact, the tablets should always be swallowed with water, if there is a difficulty in swallowing or less. 

The form that the treatment of dysphagia depends largely on the causes of the problem in swallowing. A temporary solution, or in some cases, long-term solution involves the use of a feeding tube. The tube can be inserted into the stomach through the nose or abdomen and removed once the power returns to normal. 

The consultant doctor or hospital that can perform several tests to determine the causes of dysphagia. They can look for signs of obstruction or for cancers of the pharynx. These tumors can be removed surgically or with radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and only occur in severe cases. Your doctor may also want to know if coughing or choking occurs after eating, unless the item is affected and if the patient has other symptoms, or if they are taking any medication. The answers for these questions will help your doctor to determine why there is a problem swallowing.

Along with the problems of suffocation or chewed, the other major problems during swallowing include excessive salivation or dribbling, and this can sometimes present with a symptom of multiple sclerosis. It is estimated that approximately 30% - 40% of those suffering from MS experiences problems with swallowing. In these cases, difficulties in swallowing are treated by a team of medical personnel. The professionals involved may include a radiologist, speech therapist and a dietitian, who can give the patient advice about which foods are easier to digest than others. 

You can also relieve the discomfort of swallowing by taking a few simple strategies to follow. Good posture helps the condition, such as not being relaxed at meal times. Meals rushed and talk while eating are habits that should be avoided. It is sometimes difficult in the busy lives we lead today to find the right time for ourselves and our health. But it is important to make meals a stress-free zone, especially when a person suffers from problems swallowing.

Drink plenty of water between bites and to soften the food and stay upright for at least half an hour after eating to help the food pass through the system in the stomach. Also remember that during swallowing problems are related to another medical condition requiring oral medications, there are many medications that can be taken in a liquid form, relieve pain and discomfort in swallowing. 

These treatments can take the stress out of the thought of taking medication for those who find it difficult to swallow pills. Medicines in a liquid form can sometimes eliminate pain, then give the patient a better quality of life.

* Note : Image from Internet