Tuesday, December 16, 2014

The Main Causes Of Swallowing Disorders

By Misty Tyler


Swallowing is a complex act that is important in everyday routine of every human being. It is actually an action involving the muscles and nerves within the pharynx and esophagus where a functional center in the nerves and brain are connected to the pharynx and esophagus to the main swallowing center. Basically, these problems are common to elderly and can cause dehydration, weight loss, pneumonia and airway obstruction. Most of these disorders affect the esophageal phases.

Usually, impairments to swallow is also called as dysphagia. It usually occurs because of several structural and functional conditions, such as cancers, stroke and other neurological diseases. Therefore, physical examinations are important in diagnosing and treating your swallowing disorders. Examinations can be done by a surgeon and check the condition of your larynx, neck and mouth. There are also neurological exams conducted and supplemental studies as well.

Dysphagia may also cause morbidity or mortality. It is a result from any disorder, such as cancers, stroke and even Alzhiemer disease. Aspiration pneumonia is usually the main cause of death among patients being hospitalized. Most of the disorders of swallowing are categorized depending to the phases that can affect the impairment of oral and pharyngeal phases.

The first phase is usually the oral phase. Problems that can affect the propulsive and oral phases may be results from impaired controls of the tongue, though it can be also be due to dental problems. When eating solid or liquid food, a patient may experience difficulties in chewing. The liquid or solid spills may go through the unprepared pharynx and may result to aspiration.

The other condition is the pharyngeal phase. Malfunctions in the pharyngeal phase may be transmitted to the esophagus and become impaired. So, the food in the pharynx will be retained after you swallow. Basically, the aspiration is a certain passage of the food or liquid that goes through the vocal folds. A patient may aspirates and at risk of serious pneumonia. Most effects can be variable as well and may influence the aspiration effects.

When dysphagia is persistent and the cause is not apparent, the head and neck surgeon will be discussing the history of your problem and examine your mouth and throat. Once you experience difficulties to swallow either liquid or solid food, it is vital to seek treatment to avoid dehydration and malnutrition.

Typically, there are some disorders that can be treated with proper medications. Drugs can slow down the acid production, muscle relaxants and antacids are the many medicines available today. Most of the treatments are also fitted to a specific cause of the problem.

Most of them can be treated by changing your lifestyle and your eating habits. You have to consider health diet and to stop using tobacco, caffeine as well as alcohol, avoid eating three hours before bedtime and lessen the level of stress. If not effective, you may take antacids before bedtime or between meals to give you certain relief.

There are many problems associated with those problems that are treated by therapies. There are individuals who are having a difficult time to feed themselves. Hence, an occupational therapist can help the patient to learn new techniques in feeding. Nutritional experts can also help you to determine the right amount of food and liquid to take and supplements if needed.




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