Dysfagie

Dysfagie is the medical term for difficulty in swallowing. It can affect any part of the swallowing process, from the mouth to the stomach. Swallowing is a complex act involving many muscles and nerves, and when any of these are impaired, dysphagia can occur.

Causes of dysphagia are varied and can include neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Head and neck injuries, as well as certain types of cancer and their treatments, can also lead to swallowing difficulties. Structural abnormalities in the esophagus, like strictures or tumors, or issues with esophageal motility can also cause dysphagia. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can sometimes contribute to esophageal inflammation and lead to swallowing problems.

Symptoms of dysphagia can include pain when swallowing, a sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest, coughing or gagging during meals, frequent heartburn, and unintentional weight loss. In severe cases, individuals may be unable to swallow at all.

Diagnosis typically involves a medical history, physical examination, and often specialized tests such as a modified barium swallow study or an endoscopy. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve dietary modifications, swallowing therapy with a speech-language pathologist, medication to manage reflux or other conditions, or in some cases, surgery. Complications of untreated dysphagia can include malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia, a serious lung infection caused by food or liquid entering the airways.