I am currently having difficulties in swallowing. Could you tell me what I could take to help this?

A number of people in various parts of the world have, at some time or the other, experienced a certain amount of difficulty with swallowing food and other liquids. Difficulty swallowing food is termed as dysphagia, and is caused by a number of agents. Very often it has been noticed that people suffering from dysphagia are unaware of their condition and continue to live their lives rather uncomfortably. For people whose greatest difficulty is swallowing, symptoms will include dryness of the throat, minimal production of saliva and a persistent dry cough. In such situations it is necessary to get treatment from an ear nose and throat specialist.

Most salivary gland blockages arise after treatment of chemotherapy or radiation, and those suffering from cancer must be sure to get themselves seen to, if they develop a constant dryness in the throat. There have been occasions where a tumor has formed on the salivary gland, leading to further complications in health. The tumor must be removed, either with medication or through surgery. If removed by surgery, the tumor must be sent for testing for malignancy to rule out the presence of throat cancer, and so that the doctor may give further advice on what is to be done.

answered by S S

What is dysphagia?

Dysphagia is a condition where the salivary gland has been blocked, leading to a dryness in the throat that causes much discomfort to one suffering from the condition. One of the most commonly known causes of dysphagia is the treatment of cancer through chemo therapy and radiation. The treatment tends to affect the parotid salivary gland, which is the largest salivary gland of the body. When the parotid gland is swollen or infected, it tends to reduce the amount of saliva that is produced, leading to the dryness in the throat.

There are different types of dysphagia that are largely grouped under two categories. Oropharyngeal dysphagia is the category in which problems are experienced even before the food reaches the esophagus. The problems with swallowing are caused by neuromuscular complications that have arisen from other illnesses, such as cerebral palsy and Alzheimer’s disease. Esophageal dysphagia, on the other hand, is a disorder wherein food reaches the esophagus and then cannot be swallowed. An abnormal narrowing of the esophagus causes blocking of the smooth passage of food and other liquids to the stomach, resulting in problems experienced by the digestive system as well. In either case, immediate medical attention must be sought to avoid worsening of the condition.

answered by A S

Is there any diet for dyshagia?

Dysphagia is a condition that involves difficulty in swallowing. Swallowing is a basic and almost involuntary process that occurs whenever food or liquid is consumed. Dysphagia often leads to an individual vomiting food that is consumed or experiencing the sensation of choking. If not treated, the condition can lead to food accidentally entering the lungs. It can also lead to lung infections because of the presence of food in the lungs.

The diet for dysphagia depends on the level of intensity of the condition. There is a classification of three different levels that has been made to deal with dysphagia. A level 3 diet for dysphagia is slightly deviating from a normal diet except that crunchy foods and sticky foods are avoided. The level 2 diet includes only soft, moist foods that are easily chewed and formed into wads in the mouth. These are relatively easy to swallow. Finally, the level 1 diet is for those with intense dysphagia. This diet includes foods that are in puree form. Foods that are liquid or near liquid are permitted whereas foods that are hard and dry are not allowed. One may not even be allowed to consume food that is soft and relatively easy to swallow as this might still be problematic.

answered by M W

What are the symptoms of dsyphagia?

Dysphagia is a condition where a person is unable to swallow food or liquids that have been consumed. The primary symptoms of dysphagia include an inability to swallow food, or a great difficulty experienced in attempting to do so, dryness of the throat and extreme discomfort felt through a major portion of the day. Most often there are people who have not realized that they are suffering from the condition and continue putting up with the discomfort on a daily basis, passing of the inability to swallow as the result of a viral infection.

Dysphagia is a condition in itself and needs to be treated with urgency. There are a number of medications that have been recommended for curing dysphagia, but these should be taken only on prescription by a registered medical practitioner because of their high antibiotic compositions. When you are afflicted with a bout of dysphagia, it is recommended that you consume liquids to keep the body hydrated. Besides this, they are easier to swallow than solid foods and will keep you replenished for a certain amount of time. Fresh fruit juices and vegetable juices will provide your body with the nutrition required to produce energy and to repair the body and heal it naturally.

answered by G R