What is a swallowing disorder

Dysphagia  describes difficulty swallowing or the perception of a swallowing problem.  It is estimated that approximately ten million Americans seek medical help each year due to difficulty with swallowing.   In some, the ability to eat and drink, or even swallow their saliva, might be partially or completely lost. 

Dysphagia can be a serious condition, sometimes preventing enough food and liquid to be taken by mouth to maintain the health of body and mind.  Weakness or impaired coordination of the swallowing muscles and structures can lead to foods and liquids entering the airway.  This is called aspiration, and can cause serious problems including airway obstruction or pneumonia.

Causes of Swallowing Disorders/Who Develops Swallowing Disorders

Dysphagia can be caused by many things, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other diseases of the nervous systems, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), and dementia.  Individuals with cancer of the head and neck, the esophagus, or the lung can also experience swallowing problems resulting from the disease process or the treatment, such as surgery or radiation treatment.  Occasionally, surgeries of the neck and spine also result in swallowing difficulty. In some, swallowing impairment may be present from birth due to a congenital anomaly or a condition such as cerebral palsy.  Disorders of the esophagus, such as narrowing or impaired motility of the muscles lining the esophagus, can also result in swallowing difficulty. Some medications may also negatively affect swallowing ability.  The exact cause of the swallowing problem may not always be clear or the person may not completely recognize that swallowing difficulty exists, although there may be some outward signs indicating a problem.

When to seek help

You should see a doctor if you have swallowing difficulty that persists longer than a few days.  If you choke or get strangled while eating, cough frequently during and after meals, experience pain with swallowing, or have lost weight due to a swallowing problem, you should see a doctor immediately.