Most people take eating and drinking for granted. They have complete freedom of choice when deciding which foods to eat and which beverages to enjoy. Those are usually a pleasant experiences, and many people prefer to share them with friends and loved ones. While eating itself is a voluntary action, swallowing is partially involuntary. We don’t have to give it a great deal of thought; it’s just a natural reflex that happens when we need it to.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case for everyone. For people who are suffering from dysphagia, eating and drinking aren’t so simple. They’re often highly limited in the foods they’re able to take in, and mealtime can be not only unpleasant but also frightening and dangerous. They tend to prefer not to eat in the presence of others, and chewing and swallowing takes real effort and concentration. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dysphagia, taking a closer look at this invisible but detrimental disorder can help you better understand it.
What Is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing. It can affect anyone, but it’s more common in older adults and those who suffer from medical conditions that impact the brain or the muscles and nerves that foster chewing and swallowing. For those who live with dysphagia, the swallowing process is disrupted in one way or another.
Swallowing is a complicated process that involves around 50 pairs of muscles and numerous nerves. Normally, we chew food to soften it. From there, the tongue pushes it to the back of the mouth. That triggers the swallowing reflex, which causes the airway to close and sends food into the throat. Then, the esophagus pushes food into the stomach.
With dysphagia, that process doesn’t work the way it should. Problems can occur at any phase from keeping food where it needs to be when chewing to the airway not closing properly once the swallowing reflex is triggered and beyond. This condition can be particularly dangerous, and it certainly makes eating and drinking more complicated.
What Causes Dysphagia?
Several conditions can cause dysphagia. Those that affect the nerves that control swallowing, such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and multiple sclerosis, are often the culprits. Cancers of the mouth, throat, and esophagus are common causes as well. Damage to the muscles and nerves involved in swallowing can also cause difficulties. Those often stem from radiation therapy, GERD, inflammation, and the natural aging process along with many other sources.
Why Is Dysphagia Dangerous?
Dysphagia can be dangerous for many reasons. It increases the risk of choking on foods and beverages. It can also cause aspiration, or inhaling food into the lungs. That, in turn, can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening infections. People with dysphagia often suffer from malnutrition and dehydration as well, both of which can have serious repercussions. Furthermore, people who live with dysphagia are at an increased risk of loneliness and isolation. They tend to be reluctant to eat and drink in front of others, which leads them to withdraw from social situations.
Dealing With Dysphagia
Dysphagia can have a significant impact on people’s lives. It often leaves them unable to enjoy meals, and it can bring about several health complications. It’s known to have negative mental and emotional effects as well. An array of treatments are available for this condition. Though it’s not always curable, it can be mitigated with the right measures.
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