We all have moments when swallowing feels a bit challenging, maybe due to dry food or eating too quickly. But if you often struggle to swallow, or if food feels like it gets stuck in your throat or chest, it could indicate a more serious issue. Ongoing swallowing problems, known as dysphagia, suggest that there may be an underlying problem in your digestive or nervous system.
Dysphagia can range from mild irritation to a serious condition that affects nutrition, breathing, and your overall well-being. Here’s what might be causing it, and why it’s important to see a gastroenterologist like Dr. Mark Lee if you experience ongoing symptoms.
It Could Be a Problem with the Oesophagus
Your oesophagus is the muscular tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. When its function is affected, swallowing can become difficult or painful.
Common oesophageal causes of dysphagia include:
– Acid reflux (GERD), which can inflame or narrow the oesophagus.
– Oesophageal strictures, where scar tissue or inflammation causes narrowing.
– Eosinophilic oesophagitis, an allergic inflammation of the oesophageal lining.
– Oesophageal cancer, which can lead to increasing difficulty swallowing solid foods and later liquid foods.
These conditions can’t be diagnosed solely based on symptoms; tests like an endoscopy, barium swallow, or oesophageal manometry may be necessary. That’s why seeing a gastroenterologist early is crucial.
Neurological Conditions Can Affect Swallowing
Swallowing isn’t just a reflex; it requires complex coordination of nerves and muscles. Disorders affecting the nervous system, like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), can interfere with this process.
People with neurological dysphagia may cough or choke often while eating, struggle to begin a swallow, or feel food stuck in their throat. Early evaluation lets doctors recommend therapies like speech or swallow rehabilitation to make eating safer and easier.
Neurological dysphagia can also increase the risk of aspiration, where food or liquid accidentally enters the lungs, leading to respiratory infections or pneumonia. Prompt diagnosis and a personalised care plan can greatly improve safety, comfort, and overall quality of life.
Even Simple Causes Deserve Attention
Not every case of dysphagia results from a major disease, but that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked.
- Dry mouth from dehydration or medications can make swallowing harder.
- Thyroid enlargement or a neck injury can pressure the oesophagus.
- Anxiety or stress may tighten throat muscles, making swallowing difficult.
Still, persistent symptoms mean it’s worth getting a professional evaluation. What feels minor could be the early sign of a treatable condition.
Early Diagnosis Can Prevent Serious Complications
Ignoring swallowing issues can result in malnutrition, weight loss, or even aspiration pneumonia (when food or liquid enters the lungs). The sooner you identify the cause, the easier it is to treat.
A gastroenterologist can perform safe, minimally invasive tests to find the source and recommend tailored treatment, whether that involves medication, dietary changes, dilation therapy, or a referral to a specialist for swallowing therapy.
Don’t Wait, Get Checked
If you regularly struggle to swallow, cough during meals, or feel like food gets stuck, it’s time to take action. Swallowing should not be painful or feel like a struggle.
Consult a gastroenterologist like Dr Fernandes Mark Lee for an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan. With proper care, most causes of dysphagia can be managed or fully resolved, allowing you to eat comfortably and confidently again.