Dysphagia (swallowing problems)

Some people with dysphagia have problems swallowing certain foods or drinks, while others cannot swallow at all.

Signs of dysphagia include:

• coughing or choking when eating or drinking
• bringing food back up, sometimes through the nose
• a feeling that food is stuck in your throat or chest
• a gurgly, wet-sounding voice when eating or drinking

You may also drool and have problems chewing your food.

Over time, dysphagia can also cause symptoms such as weight loss, dehydration and repeated chest infections.

Dysphagia is usually caused by another health condition and can happen at any age.

You may be more likely to have dysphagia if you:

• take some medicines, such as antipsychotics
• have a learning disability
• have heartburn and acid reflux, especially in children or people who have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
• have problems with your breathing caused by conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• have a condition that affects the nervous system or brain, such as cerebral palsy, a stroke, dementia or multiple sclerosis
• have cancer, such as mouth cancer or oesophageal cancer

Babies with a cleft lip and palate can also have dysphagia.

Your GP will examine you and may refer you to a specialist for further tests.

You may also be referred to a speech and language therapist or a dietitian for advice about swallowing and your diet.

Treatment for dysphagia depends on what's causing it and how severe it is.

If your swallowing problems are being caused by a condition like acid reflux, the problem may get better on its own.

But if the cause is longer term, you may need specialist treatment to make eating and drinking as safe as possible.

This may include:

• medicines to treat acid reflux
• swallowing therapy with a speech and language therapist
• making changes to what you eat and drink, such as softer foods and using thickener in drinks
• using special spoons, plates and cups
• feeding tubes through your nose or a hole into your stomach
• surgery to widen your oesophagus
• injections to relax the muscles in your oesophagus and allow food and drink to reach the stomach

Symptoms of dysphagia include coughing or choking when eating or drinking, feeling like food is stuck in your throat, and bringing food back up.

Common causes of dysphagia include some medicines, conditions such as a stroke or dementia, and heartburn and acid reflux.

How dysphagia is treated depends on the cause and how severe it is. Treatments can include medicines for acid reflux and swallowing therapy.