Why Can't I Swallow My Spit? Understanding Dysphagia

Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing saliva is a common problem affecting 1 out of every 20 adults in the US. National Institute of Health

Basic Concepts

Swallowing is a complex process that involves 30 muscles and nerves. National Eating Disorders Association The inability to swallow saliva is known as dysphagia.

Getting Started

Symptoms of dysphagia:

Difficulty swallowing saliva or liquids

Pain or discomfort when swallowing

Food or liquid regurgitation

Hoarseness or coughing during swallowing

Frequent choking

Reasons for Dysphagia

Causes of dysphagia:

Neurological disorders: Stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis

Structural abnormalities: Esophageal strictures, tumors

Infections: Strep throat, tonsillitis

Medications: Muscle relaxants, anticholinergics

Acid reflux: Chronic heartburn

Benefits of Treating Dysphagia

Benefits of treating dysphagia:

Improved nutrition and hydration

Reduced risk of aspiration pneumonia

Enhanced quality of life

Reduced pain and discomfort

How to treat dysphagia:

Exercises: Tongue and swallowing exercises

Medications: Medications to relax muscles or reduce inflammation

Surgery: In severe cases

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common mistakes to avoid:

Ignoring symptoms: Dysphagia can indicate serious underlying conditions.

Self-treating: Dysphagia requires professional medical attention.

Delaying treatment: Prompt treatment improves outcomes.

FAQs

FAQs about dysphagia:

Can dysphagia be cured? Yes, many cases of dysphagia can be resolved with proper treatment.

Is dysphagia a sign of cancer? Dysphagia can be a symptom of certain types of cancer, but it is usually not a sign of cancer.

Can I swallow saliva even if I have dysphagia? Depending on the severity of dysphagia, some individuals may still be able to swallow saliva.

Stories

Story 1:

Benefit of treating dysphagia:

A 75-year-old woman with stroke-related dysphagia experienced significant improvements in her quality of life after undergoing swallowing therapy. She was able to eat and drink without choking, reducing her risk of aspiration pneumonia.

How to treat dysphagia:

She participated in swallowing exercises, which strengthened her throat muscles and improved her coordination.

Story 2:

Benefit of medications:

A 40-year-old man with esophageal stricture due to acid reflux was prescribed a medication that relaxed his esophageal muscles. This allowed him to swallow without pain or discomfort, improving his nutrition and hydration status.

How to treat dysphagia:

He took the medication as directed and followed a strict diet plan to manage his acid reflux.

Story 3:

Benefit of surgery:

A 60-year-old woman with a malignant esophageal tumor underwent surgery to remove the tumor. This allowed her to regain her ability to swallow and improve her overall prognosis.

How to treat dysphagia:

The woman underwent a successful surgical procedure to remove the tumor and reconstruct her esophagus.

Why Can't I Swallow My Spit? Understanding Dysphagia