For most people, swallowing is a simple, natural process. Very few even give it any thought. We chew foods and drink beverages, moving them around in the mouth as necessary, and the body takes over from there. At that point, foods and drinks leave the mouth and make their way along the esophagus into the stomach. For some people, though, the process isn’t quite that simple. Up to 35 percent of the population suffer from a condition known as dysphagia, and it makes swallowing foods and beverages far more difficult than usual.
What Is Dysphagia?
Over time, the muscles in the mouth and throat that help with swallowing weaken and lose some of their elasticity. When they do, they don’t control where and how foods and drinks move from the mouth to the esophagus as well as they should. Many people find liquids to be particularly problematic because they’re thinner and more difficult to control. Products that make those liquids thicker, like SimplyThick, can help. You can visit SimplyThick’s Instagram account for more information, but in the meantime, read on to learn more about this condition.
Taking a Closer Look
While dysphagia can affect people at any age, it mainly occurs in older people. Studies show that the risk of developing this condition increases after the age of 45 and grows even higher beyond that point. According to some reports, at estimated 33 percent of people over the age of 65 suffer from dysphagia.
Dysphagia has been divided into three main categories: oral, oropharyngeal, and esophageal. Oral dysphagia is caused by problems in the mouth, like issues with moving or controlling the tongue. Oropharyngeal dysphagia occurs in the throat after food leaves the mouth due to weakened throat muscles or other problems. Esophageal dysphagia stems from unusual muscle movements, swelling, or blockages in the esophagus.
What Are the Dangers of Dysphagia?
Dysphagia can be dangerous for several reasons. For one, it increases the risk of choking. When food doesn’t go down properly, it can block the airway. Another issue is potentially aspirating foods and beverages. When they enter the lungs, that increases the risk of developing aspiration pneumonia and other infections.
People who suffer from dysphagia live with an increased risk of dehydration and malnutrition as well, both of which can have serious health repercussions. When people have difficulty swallowing, they may be unable to take in enough foods and fluids. They often lose interest in eating and drinking as well or avoid them out of fear of choking. In addition to those issues, people who live with dysphagia may become isolated because they’re reluctant to eat and drink in front of others.
Coping With Dysphagia
Several treatments are available for people who suffer from dysphagia. In some extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to eliminate the cause of the condition. Other times, a feeding tube may be needed. Certain medications can help combat the condition, and some people find learning new swallowing techniques to be helpful.
In many instances, being mindful of the consistency of the foods and beverages dysphagia sufferers take in is an effective approach. Cutting foods into small pieces or blending it to make it easier to chew and swallow can help. For liquids, using thickeners to make them easier to control is often an effective solution. Those strategies can reduce the health risks associated with dysphagia and help to make living with the condition a bit easier.
