Various Approaches Used For Dysphagia Treatment

By Karen Edwards


The medical term which is used in referring to the sensation of difficulty in swallowing is dysphagia. At times the swallowing difficulty tends to be accompanied by a lot of pain. Difficulty in swallowing can be brought about by a number of medical causes which makes dysphagia treatment to also be different.

One of the common causes of swallowing difficulty is tumors plus swelling. Swelling or even a tumor usually exacts a lot of pressure to the oropharynx creating difficulties in swallowing. This involves the throat or mouth cancer, lumps or the thyroid cancer without also forgetting the swelling of lymph modes on the neck.

Other causes include the esophageal causes such as stricture which is due to severe esophagitis. Esophagitis is a term which is used to mean the inflammation of lining which is located in the gullet. There is always an acid reflux when some of the acid leaks into the gullet from human stomach. Most of the esophagitis cases are attributed to leakages of acid from the stomach. The discomfort the condition causes a person it unimaginable and that is why immediate treatment is required.

There are certain infections which also lead to difficulties in swallowing. For example problems like swollen lymph nodes, swollen tonsils without forgetting abscess experienced at the back of the throat also lead to swallowing difficulties. There are some breathing problems which also lead to dysphagia. Some of the breathing problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can also have a knock on effect on dysphagia.

Muscles disorders are some other causes of dysphagia. There are certain conditions which affect the smooth muscle or even the connective tissue especially of the gullet which inhibits it from functioning properly leading to dysphagia. Some examples are myositis as well as scleroderma. Individuals who have persistent swallowing problems need to undergo treatment.

When you experience these difficulties in swallowing it becomes extremely important to visit a doctor soonest possible. Tests to be carried out usually depends on the cause of swallowing difficulty. The doctor determines the test to be administered which is dependent on your medical history. The treatment of difficulty in swallowing is also dependent on the type of dysphagia as well as the cause.

This is carried out for a very tight esophageal sprinter or the esophageal stricture whereby the doctor might consider using endoscope tests having a very special balloon attached so as to gently stretch as well as expand the width of the gullet. Surgery is another form of treatment which is regularly used. In case an individual has esophageal tumor, pharyngoesophageal diverticulum or achalasia then you might be in need of a surgery which aims at clearing the esophageal path. Medications can also be used to treat the swallowing difficulty.

Surgery can also be used to rectify this kind of a problem. When an individual has achalasia or esophageal tumor then surgery can be the best remedy for your swallowing difficulties. The surgery is actually aimed at making the gullet clear for the passage of food. At times a swallowing or speech therapist might be used to correct this kind of a problem. Learning exercises is mainly used in this type of an exercise. Several exercises will be administered by your therapist so as to coordinate the muscles involved in swallowing.




About the Author: