Dysphagia (swallowing problems)
Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing food or liquids. It can be caused by muscle, nerve, or structural problems and should be assessed, especially if persistent or worsening.
If these symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.
Dysphagia is where you have problems swallowing. It's usually caused by certain medicines or another condition, such as acid reflux or a stroke.
Symptoms of dysphagia
Some people with dysphagia have problems swallowing certain foods or drinks, while others cannot swallow at all.
Signs of dysphagia include:
- coughing or choking when eating or drinking
- bringing food back up, sometimes through the nose
- a feeling that food is stuck in your throat or chest
- a gurgly, wet-sounding voice when eating or drinking
You may also drool and have problems chewing your food.
Over time, dysphagia can also cause symptoms such as weight loss, dehydration and repeated chest infections.
Causes of dysphagia
Dysphagia is usually caused by another health condition and can happen at any age.
Common causes of swallowing problems include:
- some medicines, such as antipsychotics
- having a learning disability
- a cleft lip and palate in babies
- heartburn and acid reflux, especially in children or people who have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
- problems with your breathing caused by conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- a condition that affects the nervous system or brain, such as cerebral palsy, a stroke, dementia or multiple sclerosis
- cancer, such as mouth cancer or oesophageal cancer
Treatments for dysphagia
Your GP will examine you and may refer you to a specialist for further tests.
You may also be referred to a speech and language therapist or a dietitian for advice about swallowing and your diet.
Treatment for dysphagia depends on what's causing it and how severe it is.
If your swallowing problems are being caused by a condition like acid reflux, the problem may get better on its own.
But if the cause is longer term, you may need specialist treatment to make eating and drinking as safe as possible.
This may include:
- medicines to treat acid reflux
- swallowing therapy with a speech and language therapist
- making changes to what you eat and drink, such as softer foods and using thickener in drinks
- using special spoons, plates and cups
- feeding tubes through your nose or a hole into your stomach
- surgery to widen your oesophagus
- injections to relax the muscles in your oesophagus and allow food and drink to reach the stomach
