Everyone has trouble swallowing from time to time. You may find it difficult to chew a tough piece of meat, gag on food with an unpleasant texture, or cough and choke after food goes down “the wrong pipe.” If this happens to you occasionally, make sure you’re taking small enough bites and chewing thoroughly before you attempt to swallow. However, if you have these kinds of problems all the time, you may have a swallowing disorder. Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, can occur at any age, and the possible causes vary. Learn more about this serious medical condition so you can pursue the professional testing and treatment you need.
Swallowing is a three-phase process:
Swallowing disorders may cause problems in one or more of these phases, resulting in the following symptoms during or right after eating:
Without treatment, dysphagia can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, acid reflux, or lung infections. That’s why it’s important not to ignore swallowing disorder symptoms.
You may find it difficult to chew and swallow for several reasons. One common problem is dry mouth, which can be triggered by underlying health problems or appear as a side effect from taking certain medications. Damage to your brain or nerves can also cause a swallowing disorder to develop. Common causes of brain and nerve damage include:
A gastroenterologist can test for signs of swallowing problems when you eat and drink. Here’s what you may be asked to do:
Having a swallowing disorder might make you feel embarrassed about eating in front of others. The best way to start enjoying meals with friends and family again is to seek treatment. Due to a wide range of possible causes, numerous treatments are available for dysphagia. Here are your options:
If you have trouble swallowing foods and liquids on a regular basis, you need help from a swallowing disorder specialist. Dr. Vivian Asamoah can help! Our gastroenterology center in Katy, TX uses advanced tools and technology to diagnose your condition, identify a cause, and formulate a treatment plan for you. When you’re ready to reclaim your health, contact us.
Dr. Vivian Asamoah takes a multidisciplinary approach to treat all types of Gastroenterological problems from abdominal pain to Crohn’s Disease in Katy, TX. Schedule your appointment today.
Phone: 281-746-9284
Fax: 832-437-3206
25230 Kingsland Boulevard, STE 101
Katy, TX 77494
Working Hours:
Mon – Thu: 08:30 AM – 05:00 PM
Friday: 08:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturday: Open With Scheduled Appt.
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