Is Swallowing disorder a serious problem?

 Swallowing disorder, also known as dysphagia, is a condition where a person has difficulty swallowing

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. It is a symptom of many conditions, including neurological problems, muscular disorders, and scarring from acid reflux

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. Dysphagia can affect the oral and/or pharyngeal phase of swallowing, and the patient may cough or choke while attempting to swallow saliva, liquids, or food

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.Swallowing is a complex process that requires multiple muscles to work together

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. The ability to safely swallow is vital for adequate nutrition and hydration, and it prevents foods and liquids from entering your lungs, where they can cause pneumonia

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.Swallowing disorders can lead to health issues and social problems, like choosing not to eat meals with others

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. Over time, dysphagia can also cause symptoms such as weight loss, dehydration, and repeated chest infections

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.If you think you may have dysphagia, there are certain symptoms that may be present along with difficulty swallowing. They include drooling, hoarse voice, feeling like something is lodged in your throat, regurgitation, unexpected weight loss, heartburn, coughing or choking when swallowing, pain when swallowing, difficulty chewing solid foods, recurrent pneumonia, and food may come out of the nose

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.To diagnose a swallowing disorder, your doctor will perform a variety of tests to ensure proper care. The first part of diagnosing dysphagia is reviewing a patient’s medical history and performing a physical examination

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. A speech-language pathologist often assesses a patient’s ability to swallow in order to determine the risk of aspiration, which potentially may lead to a lung infection or pneumonia

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.Treatment for dysphagia depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. A speech-language pathologist may recommend dietary changes, oropharyngeal swallowing exercises to strengthen muscles, alternative swallowing strategies, or posture changes that you should follow while eating

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. In severe cases, you may need to get nutrition in other ways, such as through a feeding tube

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.In conclusion, swallowing disorder is a serious problem that can affect a person's quality of life and health. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience difficulty swallowing or any of the symptoms mentioned above.

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clevelandclinic

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www

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hopkinsmedicine

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asha

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healthline

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gastroconsa