Overview
Dysphagia is a condition in which a person finds it difficult and often painful to swallow liquids food or even saliva. There are an estimated 20000 new cases of dysphagia each year in Canada - many of them as a result of stroke. Dysphagia can lead to serious and possibly deadly complications. A person with dysphagia runs the risk being undernourished or dehydrated. Some will suffer from aspiration pneumonia - a condition in which food particles are inhaled into the lungs. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada aspiration pneumonia will take the lives of as many as 20% of dysphagic patients in their first year after a stroke. Symptoms
- inability to swallow without considerable difficulty
- food getting stuck immediately after swallowing
- nasal regurgitation
- difficulty starting the swallowing reflex
Causes
Dysphagia has many causes including: - Any condition that weakens or damages the muscles and nerves used for swallowing. For example people with diseases of the nervous system such as Cerebral Palsy or Parkinson's disease often have trouble swallowing.
- Stroke can affect the coordination of the swallowing muscles or limit sensation in the mouth and throat.
- An infection or irritation can cause narrowing of the esophagus.
- People born with abnormalities of the swallowing mechanism may not be able to swallow normally.
- Infants who are born with a hole in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate) are unable to suck properly which complicates nursing and drinking from a regular baby bottle.
- An injury to the head or neck
- Cancer of the head neck or esophagus may cause swallowing difficulties.
Sometimes the treatment for these types of cancers can cause dysphagia.
Treatment
First your doctor will want to send you for tests to get a complete picture of your swallowing mechanism. One test called a fibre optic laryngoscopy allows the doctor to look down the throat with a lighted tube. Other tests include video fluoroscopy which takes videotapes of a patient swallowing and ultrasound which produces images of internal body organs.
If it is determined that you are suffering from dysphagia you will be referred to one or more specialists for treatment. Treatment may involve muscle exercises to strengthen weak facial muscles or to improve coordination. Others will need to learn to eat in a special way. For example some people may have to eat with their head turned to one side. Preparing food in a certain way or avoiding certain foods may help others. For instance those who cannot swallow liquids may need to add special thickeners to their drinks. Other people may have to avoid hot or cold foods or drinks. Unfortunately for some consuming foods and liquids by mouth may no longer be an option and they'll have to be nourished through a feeding tube. |
