Difficulty Swallowing in Utah
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Find a ProviderWhat does it mean to have difficulty swallowing?
A person who has difficulty swallowing may experience pain, discomfort, or some other issue that makes it harder for them to move food and drinks through the throat and esophagus down to the stomach. Swallowing problems can indicate a symptom of many health concerns, ranging from esophageal spasms to food allergies. It is crucial to diagnose the root of the issue so that your doctor can begin treatment and help you avoid a more severe health problem. If you want to learn about the treatment options available for difficulty swallowing in Utah, get in touch with the digestive health specialists at Utah Gastroenterology to book an appointment.
What could cause difficulty swallowing?
There is no single condition or issue that leads to difficulty swallowing. If you experience a hard time moving food from your mouth to your stomach, it could be a result of a particular issue that has gone undetected, an allergic food reaction, or swelling in your food pipe. Here are some explanations for why difficulty passing food through your esophagus can be happening:
- Esophageal contractions
- Nervous system problems
- Foreign objects in the esophagus or throat
- Scars from gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Enlarged thyroid gland
- Esophageal rings (bands of tissue that tighten the inside of the esophagus)
- Achalasia, which occurs if the muscle that lets food into the stomach doesn't work properly
Swallowing trouble might affect those of all age ranges, although it is more often found in seniors. If you want to find out more information regarding the different reasons for difficulty swallowing and the treatments that are available to you, book a visit with the digestive health specialists at Utah Gastroenterology.
What are the symptoms of dysphagia?
Swallowing problems can be evidence of any number of GI health conditions. When you're having difficulty swallowing, it is essential to seek medical care as fast as possible to ensure that you can eat and breathe normally. Some of the main signs of difficulty swallowing include things such as:
- Frequent acid reflux
- No ability to swallow
- Trouble breathing
- Food coming back up into your throat
- Hoarseness
- Pain in the throat when swallowing
- Feeling like food is staying in your throat
Request a consultation with a digestive health specialist in Utah today if you encounter any combination of the aforementioned problems routinely. It is crucial to speak with your specialist if weight loss or vomiting occurs along with your trouble swallowing.
What are the treatment options for swallowing trouble?
Before suggesting a therapy for your dysphagia, your gastroenterologist will first need to pinpoint the source of the symptoms. If the source is an allergic food reaction, the appropriate measures will be performed to diminish inflammation, and you will need to steer clear of the food. In the case of inflammation in the esophageal lining, your gastroenterologist will work to identify the reason, establishing if it is associated with a bacterial or viral infection (irritation and swelling in the esophagus), or injury due to acid reflux. For patients with muscle contractions in the esophagus, our doctors could recommend taking medicine to relax the muscles or a surgical procedure. Allow the digestive health specialists at Utah Gastroenterology to partner with you to reacquire your swallowing mobility.
Get the relief you need
If dysphagia is affecting your ability to eat, drink, or take medication comfortably, the digestive health specialists at Utah Gastroenterology can help you get back to enjoying your health again. Your gastroenterologist will properly pinpoint the source and determine a solution that would work for your needs. Please do not hold off on booking an appointment, as trouble swallowing could cause a more significant concern that requires rapid treatment. If you need help for difficulty swallowing in Utah, arrange a visit now to obtain the attention you need.
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