Eating your favorite food should be the best part of your day, not an uncomfortable experience. But for some, swallowing food or liquid can feel difficult or even painful. If you find it hard to swallow regularly, it might be a sign of a condition known as dysphagia.
What Is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is the medical term for persistent difficulty in swallowing. Depending on which part of the swallowing process is affected, dysphagia is categorized into three main types:
- Esophageal dysphagia. When food struggles to move through the esophagus, the tube connecting your throat to your stomach, it’s considered called esophageal dysphagia.
- Pharyngeal dysphagia. When food has trouble passing through the throat, it’s considered pharyngeal dysphagia.
- Oral dysphagia. When food or liquid cannot move efficiently from the mouth to the throat, often due to issues with the tongue or jaw muscles, it’s considered oral dysphagia.
Symptoms to Watch For
Dysphagia can present through various symptoms, including pain or discomfort in the throat or chest when swallowing, a sensation of food being stuck or moving slowly and frequent coughing or choking during meals. Other signs include regurgitation of food or liquid and nasal regurgitation, where food comes back up through the nose.
An occasional sore throat is usually not a cause for concern, but if these symptoms persist, it may indicate an underlying issue. Consulting an ENT specialist can help identify the root cause and provide effective solutions for relief. Early evaluation is essential to address potential complications and improve quality of life.
How Is Dysphagia Treated?
Thankfully, there are effective ways to manage and treat dysphagia. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:
- Swallowing therapy. A speech or occupational therapist can help you learn new techniques to strengthen the muscles involved in chewing and swallowing, improving both coordination and comfort.
- Medication. Depending on the cause, treatment might include antacids for acid reflux, muscle relaxants or medications to reduce esophageal inflammation.
- Surgery. In cases where the esophagus is too narrow, procedures to stretch or dilate it can improve the passage of food and liquids.
 If uncomfortable swallowing is ruining your favorite meals or stopping you from enjoying your long-awaited Case Study fall coffees, contact Mt. Hood ENT & Allergy for an appointment with one of our trusted throat specialists.