Dysphagia in Lubbock, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat exactly is dysphagia?
Dysphagia is an ailment defined as a person's struggle or inability to swallow food, drinks, or medication. There are several reasons why an individual may experience dysphagia. It might be due to spasms in the esophageal muscles, because they failed to chew their food thoroughly, or additional internal issues. Dysphagia could also refer to the feeling of food being stalled in the neck or chest area. In the event you experience these symptoms and need treatment for dysphagia in Lubbock, TX, there is help available. Contact our experienced gastrointestinal specialists at Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates as soon as possible for more regarding options we can provide to assist you in getting back to an improved life.
What causes dysphagia?
There are two primary variations of dysphagia, each with its own root causes.
Oropharyngeal dysphagia
The disorder referred to as oropharyngeal dysphagia involves difficulty starting a swallowing movement. Neuromuscular causes are more typical in this variety of dysphagia. This is due to the fact that the muscles found in the mouth, the back side of your throat, and the upper esophagus have direct connections with the brain. Nerves in these structures can be damaged, causing problems with swallowing.
In some instances, narrowed areas in the esophagus (strictures) or tumors developing in the back portion of the throat can be the cause of your difficulty swallowing.
Esophageal dysphagia
Esophageal dysphagia has innumerable causes, a portion of the most common being:
- Foreign body blockage in the esophagus
- Achalasia (when the lower esophageal sphincter can't relax during swallowing due to abnormal nerve control)
- Swelling in the esophagus due to acid reflux
- Spasms in the esophagus
- Esophageal scarring from reflux (GERD)
- Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
- Esophageal muscle weakness
What are the symptoms of dysphagia?
There are many common signs and symptoms of dysphagia, including (but not limited to):
- The sensation of food being stuck in one's chest or throat
- Liquid or food regurgitating via the nose
- Regurgitation
- Coughing or gagging while swallowing
- Unintentional weight loss
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Acid reflux
- Pain when swallowing
- Loss of voice
- Drooling
- Lack of ability to swallow
- Food impaction (food getting stuck)
- Pain in the chest
If you experience any of the symptoms of dysphagia or trouble swallowing, call our GI center in Lubbock, TX to meet with a specialist.
What are the treatments for dysphagia?
The digestive health specialists at Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates offer a range of treatment options designed to address each patient's unique needs. Some common dysphagia treatments are:
- Learning exercises to re-stimulate nerves that initiate the reflex of swallowing
- Practicing different swallowing techniques
- Surgery
- Esophageal dilation
- Medications to reduce acid reflux, corticosteroids, or muscle relaxants
- Special liquid diet or feeding tube (for extreme cases)
Help your swallowing difficulties subside
If you or a loved one need help for dysphagia in Lubbock, TX, skilled providers are close by. Arrange for a meeting with a GI physician at Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates at your earliest opportunity if you experience any combination of the above-listed symptoms on a regular basis. If your dysphagia symptoms are accompanied by vomiting or unexpected weight loss, contact a doctor right away.
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