Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that can affect people of all ages, from newborns to older adults. It is characterized by difficulties swallowing liquid and solid foods safely and efficiently, which can lead to complications for the health and well-being of those who suffer from it.
Types of dysphagia
There are two main types of dysphagia: oropharyngeal dysphagia and esophageal dysphagia. Oropharyngeal dysphagia occurs when there are difficulties in the oral or pharyngeal phase of swallowing, that is, in the initial part of the swallowing process. On the other hand, esophageal dysphagia occurs when there are problems in the esophageal phase, which is when food passes through the esophagus to the stomach.
Oropharyngeal dysphagia:
This type of Dysphagia can be associated with various causes, such as muscle weakness in the mouth or throat, neurological disorders that affect swallowing control, or structural problems in the mouth or pharynx. Symptoms may include coughing or choking when swallowing, feeling of food stuck in the throat, or a hoarse voice after eating. It is important to identify and treat oropharyngeal dysphagia to prevent complications such as malnutrition or aspiration of food into the lungs.
Esophageal dysphagia:
Esophageal dysphagia is often related to structural disorders in the esophagus, such as esophageal stricture (narrowing of the esophagus), achalasia (alteration in the movements of the esophagus), or connective tissue diseases that affect esophageal motility. The most common symptoms include a feeling of obstruction when swallowing, chest pain when eating, regurgitation of food, or difficulty swallowing certain types of foods. Treatment of esophageal dysphagia depends on the underlying cause and may include dietary changes, esophageal dilation, or in more severe cases, surgery.
Characteristics of dysphagia
Dysphagia It can manifest itself in different ways depending on the cause and type of swallowing disorder. Some common characteristics of dysphagia include:
- Difficulty swallowing liquids and/or solids
- Feeling of obstruction or stagnation of food in the throat or esophagus
- Frequent cough when eating or drinking
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain when swallowing
- Hoarse voice after eating
It is important to keep in mind that dysphagia can have a significant impact on the quality of life of people who suffer from it, as it can limit food and fluid intake, cause malnutrition or dehydration, and even increase the risk of respiratory complications if food is inhaled into the lungs.
Symptoms associated with dysphagia
In addition to difficulties swallowing food, dysphagia may be accompanied by a series of additional symptoms which can vary in intensity and frequency depending on the underlying cause. Some symptoms associated with dysphagia include:
Pain when swallowing:
Pain when swallowing, also known as odynophagia, may be present in cases of dysphagia caused by inflammation, infections or injuries. in the digestive tract. This symptom can make it even more difficult to ingest food and liquids, and in some cases may require immediate medical attention for evaluation and treatment.
Regurgitation of food:
Regurgitation refers to the involuntary return of food or liquid from the esophagus to the mouth, without being preceded by vomiting. This symptom is common in cases of esophageal dysphagia and can cause discomfort and discomfort in those who experience it, in addition to increasing the risk of aspiration of food into the lungs.
Unexplained weight loss:
Difficulty swallowing food can lead to a reduction in daily calorie and nutrient intake, which in turn can result in unintentional weight loss. Unexplained weight loss associated with dysphagia may be an indicator of malnutrition and should be evaluated by a health professional to determine its cause and establish an appropriate treatment plan.
Respiratory complications:
Aspiration of food into the lungs, known as bronchopulmonary aspiration, is a serious complication of dysphagia that can cause pneumonia, chronic respiratory problems, and even put the patient's life at risk. Symptoms of aspiration may include persistent cough, fever, difficulty breathing, and general malaise, and require urgent medical attention.
Treatment of dysphagia
Treatment of dysphagia depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms, and may include a combination of medical, therapeutic and rehabilitative approaches to improve swallowing and prevent long-term complications. Some treatment options for dysphagia include:
Dietary modifications:
In mild cases of dysphagia, modifications can be made to the consistency of foods and liquids to make swallowing easier, such as thicken liquids, crush foods or avoid textures that are difficult to swallow. A dietitian or speech and language therapist can help design an eating plan appropriate to the patient's needs.
Swallowing exercises:
Swallowing therapy, often performed by A speech and language therapist may include exercises to strengthen the muscles used in swallowing and improve coordination between the mouth and throat during the swallowing process. These exercises may be useful to improve swallowing function in cases of oropharyngeal dysphagia.
Esophageal dilation:
In cases of esophageal stricture or other conditions that cause narrowings in the esophagus, Endoscopic esophageal dilation may be necessary to widen the lumen of the esophagus and facilitate the passage of food into the stomach. This procedure is usually performed by a gastroenterologist who specializes in digestive disorders.
Surgery:
In situations where dysphagia is caused by serious structural abnormalities or medical conditions that do not respond to conservative treatment, Surgery may be an option to correct the underlying problem and restore swallowing function. Surgery to treat esophageal dysphagia should be performed by a surgeon specialized in digestive or esophageal surgery.
Compensatory swallowing therapy:
In severe cases of dysphagia that put health at risk and the patient's life, compensatory swallowing strategies can be used, such as proper posture when eating, manipulation of food consistency, or the use of swallowing assistive devices. These techniques can help reduce the risk of aspiration and improve swallowing safety.
Conclusions
Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that can present in different forms and have a significant impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from it. It is important to identify the types of dysphagia, their characteristics, associated symptoms, and treatment options to provide comprehensive care and improve swallowing function in affected patients. A multidisciplinary approach involving health professionals specialized in swallowing disorders may be key to the effective management of dysphagia and the prevention of long-term complications.