INFORMATION ON SWALLOWING DISORDERS

Swallowing disorders also known as dysphagia is defined as a difficulty in swallowing and may also experience pain while swallowing. Some people may be completely unable to swallow or may have trouble swallowing liquids, foods, or saliva. Swallowing disorders are common in those individuals suffering with degenerative neurological disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, post polio syndrome, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. People suffering from swallowing disorders may suffer from weight loss or dehydration and may be at risk for developing pneumonia.

SYNONYMS OF SWALLOWING DISORDERS

Synonyms and related keywords:

1. Dysphagia.
2. Difficulty swallowing.
3. Deglutition disorders.
4. Swallowing disorders.

CAUSES OF SWALLOWING DISORDERS

The factors which leads to the development of Swallowing Disorders are:-

1. Weak tongue or cheek muscles.
2. Small size of food pipe.
3. Stroke.
4. Nervous system disorder.
5. Cancer of the head, neck, or esophagus.
6. Injuries of the head, neck, and chest.
7. Gastrointestinal conditions.
8. Prematurity/low birth weight.
9. Heart disease.
10. Conditions affecting the airway.

SYMPTOMS OF SWALLOWING DISORDERS

Symptoms of Swallowing Disorders:
1. Weight loss.
2. Dehydration.
3. Pneumonia.
4. Coughing during eating or drinking.
5. Gurgly sounding voice.
6. Extra effort or time to swallow.

DIAGNOSIS OF SWALLOWING DISORDERS

Test under diagnosis are:

1. X-ray.
2. Endoscopy.
3. Laryngoscopy.
4. Computerised tomography scan.

TREATMENT OF SWALLOWING DISORDERS

Treatment of Swallowing disorders includes Drug therapy, including Botulinum toxin injection, may provide relief to some subjects with Swallowing disorders. Surgery may also be needed in severely affected persons. Many subjects can be helped by changing their diets and learning new feeding techniques, for example, positioning the head and neck in a certain way to help in swallowing.