WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is chronic dysphagia? Chronic dysphagia is trouble swallowing. It occurs when you have trouble moving food or liquid down your esophagus to your stomach. It may occur when you eat, drink, or any time you try to swallow. What causes chronic dysphagia? - Narrowing of your esophagus caused by acid reflux or tumors
- Nerve or muscle problems that slow the movement of food
- Brain injury, or conditions that affect the nervous system such as stroke, dementia, or Parkinson disease
- Radiation therapy or head and neck surgery
- Certain medicines such as antihistamines, diuretics, antidepressants, and blood pressure or antinausea medicines
What other signs and symptoms may occur with chronic dysphagia? - Drooling, coughing after swallowing, or spitting up food
- Hoarse or wet-sounding voice while eating or drinking
- Feeling like food is stuck in your throat or pressure in your chest after you eat
How is chronic dysphagia diagnosed? Your healthcare provider may ask if you only have trouble swallowing when you eat or drink, or any time you try to swallow. You may also need any of the following tests: - A water swallow screening test will show how well you swallow thinner liquids, such as water. Thinner liquids can make you choke more easily than thicker liquids. This test may show signs of dysphagia and aspiration (movement of liquid into your lungs). It can be used to help healthcare providers decide if you need other tests.
- Other swallow tests may show which parts of your throat or esophagus are not working well. These tests may include x-rays of your throat and esophagus. You may be given a thick liquid called barium to help your esophagus show up better on x-rays. These tests may also show if the position of your head affects the way you swallow.
- Endoscopy is a procedure that may show narrowing or inflammation in your esophagus.
- Manometry measures the pressure within the esophagus and stomach.
- pH monitoring is used to check your throat for acid reflux.
How is chronic dysphagia treated? Treatment will depend on the cause of your dysphagia. You may need medicine to reduce acid reflux or muscle spasms in your throat. You may also need any of the following: - Diet changes may reduce choking problems. Your healthcare provider may show you how to thicken liquids or soften foods to make them easier to swallow.
- Swallowing therapy can teach you different ways of swallowing by using different head and body positions. You may be taught exercises to strengthen the muscles that help you swallow.
- Surgery may be needed to widen your esophagus or treat other medical conditions that cause dysphagia.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You lose weight without trying.
- Your signs and symptoms get worse, or you have new signs or symptoms.
- You have signs or symptoms of dehydration, such as increased thirst, dark yellow urine, or little or no urine.
- You get colds often
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
When should I seek care immediately or call 911? - You cannot eat or drink liquids at all.
- You have chest pain.
- You have shortness of breath.
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