Causes of dysphagia | Dysphagia & Speech Therapy

Causes of dysphagia

Dysphagia is a medical term used to describe difficulty in swallowing, which can be caused by various factors. Swallowing is a complex process that involves the coordination of several muscles and nerves in the mouth, throat, and esophagus. When any of these functions are disrupted, it can lead to dysphagia. In this article, we will discuss the causes of dysphagia.

Causes of dysphagia | Dysphagia & Speech Therapy

Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders are one of the most common causes of dysphagia. These disorders affect the nerves and muscles that control swallowing. Some of the most common neurological disorders that can cause dysphagia include:

Stroke: A stroke can cause damage to the part of the brain that controls swallowing.

Parkinson's Disease: Parkinson's disease can cause muscles in the mouth and throat to become weak, making it difficult to swallow.

Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis can cause damage to the nerves that control swallowing.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): ALS can cause muscles in the mouth and throat to become weak, making it difficult to swallow.

Structural Problems

Structural problems in the mouth, throat, or esophagus can also cause dysphagia. These problems can include:

Tumors: Tumors in the mouth, throat, or esophagus can obstruct the passage of food and make it difficult to swallow.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can cause the muscles in the esophagus to become weak, making it difficult to swallow.

Esophageal Stricture: An esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus that can make it difficult to swallow.

Pharyngeal Pouch: A pharyngeal pouch is a sac that forms in the pharynx, which can cause food to get stuck and make it difficult to swallow.

Medications

Certain medications can cause dysphagia as a side effect. These medications can include:

Antidepressants: Antidepressants can cause dry mouth, which can make it difficult to swallow.

Blood Pressure Medications: Some blood pressure medications can cause the muscles in the esophagus to become weak, making it difficult to swallow.

Pain Medications: Pain medications can cause dry mouth, which can make it difficult to swallow.

Aging

As we age, the muscles in the mouth and throat can become weaker, making it difficult to swallow. This can also be exacerbated by age-related conditions such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Trauma

Trauma to the mouth, throat, or esophagus can also cause dysphagia. This can include:

Head Injury: A head injury can cause damage to the part of the brain that controls swallowing.

Neck Injury: A neck injury can cause damage to the muscles and nerves that control swallowing.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy for cancer can cause damage to the tissues in the mouth, throat, and esophagus, making it difficult to swallow.

In conclusion, dysphagia can be caused by various factors, including neurological disorders, structural problems, medications, aging, and trauma. If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing, it is important to speak with your doctor, who can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

 

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