|
What is difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)? What are swallowing disorders? What are some signs or symptoms of swallowing disorders? How are swallowing disorders diagnosed? What treatments are available for adults with swallowing disorders? What other organizations have information about swallowing disorders? What causes swallowing disorders in adults? What does a speech-language pathologist do when working with adults with swallowing disorders? |
|
What is difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)? Difficulty swallowing is also called dysphagia. It is usually a sign of a problem with your throat or esophagus —the muscular tube that moves food and liquids from the back of your mouth to your stomach. Signs and symptoms associated with dysphagia may include: •Having pain while swallowing (odynophagia) •Being unable to swallow •Having the sensation of food getting stuck in your throat or chest or behind your breastbone (sternum) •Drooling •Being hoarse •Bringing food back up (regurgitation) •Having frequent heartburn •Having food or stomach acid back up into your throat •Unexpectedly losing weight •Coughing or gagging when swallowing •Having to cut food into smaller pieces or avoiding certain foods because of trouble swallowing How do I know if I have a speech or voice problem? •My voice makes it difficult for people to hear me. •People have difficulty understanding me in a noisy room. •My voice issues limit my personal and social life. •I feel left out of conversations because of my voice. •My voice problem causes me to lose income. •I feel as though I have to strain to produce voice. •The clarity of my voice is unpredicable. •My voice problem upsets me. •My voice makes me feel handicapped. •People ask, "What's wrong with your voice?" How do I know if I have a swallowing problem? •I have recently lost weight without trying. •I tend to avoid drinking liquids. •I get the sensation of food being stuck in my throat. •I tend to drool. •I notice food collecting around my gum line. •I tend to cough or choke before, during or after earting or drinking •I often have heartburn or a sore throat. •I have trouble keeping food or liquid in my mouth. Painful Swallowing What causes pain on swallowing?
Difficulty swallowing Swallowing Hurts Takes effort Triggered or worsened by Eating certain foods Accompanied by Bad breath Cough Difficulty breathing Dry mouth Earache Feeling of something stuck in your throat Heartburn Hoarse voice or difficulty speaking Jaw pain or stiffness Loose teeth or poorly fitting dentures Lump in front of neck Mouth sores, lumps or pain Pain in chest or back Regurgitation of food or sour liquid Sore throat Thick saliva Unintended weight loss Here are further guidelines. Calculating fluids for an elderly person refusing to eat or drink. Here are further facts. |