Schluckunfähigkeit

Schluckunfähigkeit, also known as dysphagia, is a medical condition characterized by difficulty in swallowing. This can affect any part of the swallowing pathway, from the mouth to the stomach. It can manifest as pain during swallowing, the sensation of food getting stuck, or frequent choking or gagging.

The causes of dysphagia are diverse and can include neurological disorders such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Structural abnormalities in the esophagus or throat, like strictures, tumors, or diverticula, can also lead to swallowing difficulties. Certain medical treatments, such as radiation therapy to the head and neck or surgery in these areas, can damage the swallowing mechanism. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also contribute to dysphagia by causing inflammation and scarring in the esophagus.

Diagnosing dysphagia typically involves a thorough medical history, a physical examination, and often specialized tests. These may include a videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS), which uses X-rays to visualize the swallowing process, or a fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), which uses a small camera to examine the throat.

Treatment for dysphagia depends on the underlying cause. Strategies may include swallowing therapy with a speech-language pathologist to learn compensatory techniques, dietary modifications to make food easier to swallow, or medical interventions to address structural issues or treat underlying diseases. In severe cases, feeding tubes may be necessary to ensure adequate nutrition and hydration. Untreated dysphagia can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, and a reduced quality of life.