When Is Difficulty Swallowing A Serious Problem?

 

Difficulty Swallowing

We've all experienced it at one time or another--difficulty swallowing.  Food just doesn't go down easily.  It may hurt, may feel like food is stuck in the back of your throat, you might drool, your voice may be hoarse or you may cough or gag when swallowing.  But when is it a serious condition?  

If difficulty persists, then the condition requires attention.  It takes about 50 pairs of muscles and nerves to accomplish the simple act of swallowing, and a number of conditions can interfere with this process.  There are two general categories:  

• Esophageal--refers to the sensation of food sticking or getting hung up in the base of your throat or your chest.  Causes include narrowing of the esophagus, tumors, foreign bodies, regurgitation, acid reflux or scleroderma.  

• Oropharyngeal--nerve or muscle problems that cause weakened throat function and promote choking, gagging or coughing when swallowing, or the sensation of foods or liquids going down your windpipe or up your nose.  Causes include neurological problems, or cancer.

A variety of tests can be done to determine the nature of the problem--swallowing studies, endoscopy to view the esophagus, or muscle tests.

Swallowing Treatment

Treatment is tailored to the particular cause and medications are useful in reducing stomach acid.  There are some simple lifestyle changes to improve swallowing function--eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding sticky foods, cutting food into smaller pieces and eating at a slower pace.  Limiting alcohol, tobacco and caffeine reduces heartburn.  The most important thing to remember is that if you develop a regular problem with swallowing, medical examination is necessary.  

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's Syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva do not function correctly.  As a result, poor salivary production causes dry mouth and lack of tears causes dry eyes.  When the symptoms become more severe, mouth dryness (xerostomia) may feel like a burning or cracking tongue, may result in an increased rate of dental decay, and difficulty swallowing.  It becomes necessary to sip fluids often both with and between meals.  The parotid glands (major salivary glands behind the jaw) may become swollen and painful.  Eye involvement is the other major manifestation.  The decreased tearing causes redness, itching, photosensitivity and a sandy or gritty feeling in the eyes.  There can also be a decrease in mucous gland secretion of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.  One-third of patients can have symptoms outside the glands, effecting joints, muscles, lungs and kidneys.  Treatment attempts to relieve the effects of chronic dryness of the mouth and eyes by increasing the lubrication and moisturization of the affected tissues.  Artificial tears and saliva substitutes have been used.  Medications are prescribed for extraglandular symptoms.  The overall disease course of Sjogren's syndrome requires regular monitoring by a prosthodontist in conjunction with a physician. 

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

When Is Difficulty Swallowing A Serious Problem?

Difficulty Swallowing

We've all experienced it at one time or another--difficulty swallowing.  Food just doesn't go down easily.  It may hurt, may feel like food is stuck in the back of your throat, you might drool, your voice may be hoarse or you may cough or gag when swallowing.  But when is it a serious condition?  

If difficulty persists, then the condition requires attention.  It takes about 50 pairs of muscles and nerves to accomplish the simple act of swallowing, and a number of conditions can interfere with this process.  There are two general categories:  

• Esophageal--refers to the sensation of food sticking or getting hung up in the base of your throat or your chest.  Causes include narrowing of the esophagus, tumors, foreign bodies, regurgitation, acid reflux or scleroderma.  

• Oropharyngeal--nerve or muscle problems that cause weakened throat function and promote choking, gagging or coughing when swallowing, or the sensation of foods or liquids going down your windpipe or up your nose.  Causes include neurological problems, or cancer.

A variety of tests can be done to determine the nature of the problem--swallowing studies, endoscopy to view the esophagus, or muscle tests.

Swallowing Treatment

Treatment is tailored to the particular cause and medications are useful in reducing stomach acid.  There are some simple lifestyle changes to improve swallowing function--eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding sticky foods, cutting food into smaller pieces and eating at a slower pace.  Limiting alcohol, tobacco and caffeine reduces heartburn.  The most important thing to remember is that if you develop a regular problem with swallowing, medical examination is necessary.   

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309