Difficulty Swallowing in Washington
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Find a ProviderWhat does it mean to have trouble swallowing?
Trouble swallowing, or dysphagia, occurs if you have difficulty moving food and liquids from the mouth, throat, and esophagus before advancing into the stomach. Swallowing trouble can be a symptom of many medical issues, ranging from muscle spasms to allergic reactions. It is essential to determine the source of the problem so the right therapy can be administered before it progresses into a severe issue. If you want to learn about treatment options available for difficulty swallowing in Washington, contact our gastroenterological providers at Washington Gastroenterology to request a consultation.
What causes dysphagia?
The causes of dysphagia could stem from more than one source. If you have trouble passing food through your esophagus, it may be caused by a disease that has gone undetected, an allergic reaction to food, or swelling in your esophagus. Below are a few reasons why swallowing difficulties may be present:
- Muscle contractions
- Esophageal rings (folds of tissue that constrict the inside of the esophagus)
- Achalasia, which occurs if the lower esophageal sphincter doesn't work properly
- Enlargement of the thyroid
- Foreign objects in the esophagus or throat
- Scar tissue from acid reflux
- Neurological conditions
Dysphagia can affect people of various ages but is seen more commonly in older people. If you would like more information about the numerous causes of difficulty swallowing and the options for treatment accessible to you, request a consultation with the gastroenterological providers at a local Washington Gastroenterology.
What are the symptoms of dysphagia?
Having a hard time swallowing might indicate a variety of problems. If you are having swallowing trouble, it is essential to receive care as soon as possible to ensure that you can eat and breathe safely. The main symptoms of swallowing difficulties include issues like:
- Regular heartburn
- Discomfort in the esophagus while swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Not having the ability to swallow
- A feeling of food sticking in your throat
- Hoarseness
- Food coming back up into your throat
Request an appointment to see a gastroenterological specialist in Washington as soon as possible if you regularly experience any combination of these symptoms. It is crucial to visit your provider when weight loss or vomiting occurs along with your dysphagia.
What are the treatments for dysphagia?
Treatment for dysphagia begins with identifying the problem. If the source is an allergic reaction to food, the correct measures will be taken to reduce inflammation, and we will advise you to stop consuming the item. If there is inflammation in the esophageal lining, your specialist will work to find the root cause, establishing whether it is associated with a bacterial or viral infection (inflammation of the esophagus) or reflux esophagitis. For individuals with muscle spasms in the esophagus, our specialists may advise taking medications to relax the muscles or a surgical procedure. The knowledgeable gastroenterological providers at Washington Gastroenterology will determine the cause and help you regain your ability to swallow.
Relief you can feel
If you've had difficulty swallowing and are hoping to find an experienced team to help with treatment, contact the gastroenterological specialists at Washington Gastroenterology. Your provider will appropriately identify the source of the problem and decide on a therapy that is ideal for you. Please do not put off requesting an appointment, as swallowing difficulties might indicate a more significant issue that may need prompt attention. If you need help with difficulty swallowing in Washington, request a consultation now to obtain the help you need.
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