Healthguider Men’s Health
Difficulty with Swallowing
Difficulty with swallowing, or dysphagia, is a condition
with a number of causes, not least physical abnormalities
(e.g. tumours, goitre), gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD), and oesophageal spasm.
The signs and symptoms experienced are very much dependent
on the type of dysphagia. When the problem is located in
the mouth or throat), choking and
coughing may occur when attempting to swallow. The consequence
may be an aspiration pneumonia as a result of may occur
from this poor ability to swallow. In addition there may
difficulty speaking and weight loss.
If the problem is in the oesophagus symptoms may
include:
- The sensation that something is stuck in the throat.
- Pressure in the middle part of the chest.
- Weight loss.
- Inability to eat meals at a reasonable rate.
Certain medications or surgical interventions may be used
to treat these symptoms. It is important that if you have
persistent difficulty in swallowing that you seek advice
from your doctor as soon as possible.
© Healthguider 2004
|
|
 |
|
