At ENT and Allergy Associates, LLP we specialize in assessing and treating voice and swallowing issues. Our expert faculty is committed to advancing knowledge in this field through education. We offer a range of innovative office-based procedures for diagnosis and treatment. Trust us to help you speak and eat with confidence.
What Makes It Difficult to Swallow?
Swallowing involves two connected physiologic events: airway protection, to prevent choking during eating, and bolus transport, the movement of food from the mouth to the stomach. All swallowing disorders can be traced to some malfunction of one or both events. The diagnostic tests and therapeutic maneuvers that take place address the issues of airway protection and bolus transport.
Do you have trouble swallowing, coughing, choking, or handling food and secretions safely? If so, you may be experiencing dysphagia, which is any difficulty with swallowing reported by the patient. As insignificant as a swallowing problem may seem, it can escalate into a serious condition if not addressed early enough. The most obvious symptom of a swallowing problem is difficulty swallowing, but this is not always the case. Another symptom includes severe throat dryness, which can be caused by a variety of medical conditions or as a side effect of medications.
Other symptoms of a swallowing problem include:
- Difficulty chewing food
- Difficulty moving chewed food to the throat
- Difficulty initiating a swallow
- Coughing or choking when eating and/or drinking
- Food gets “stuck” when swallowing
- Regurgitation or vomiting food or liquid during or after swallowing
- History of acid reflux
- Difficulty coordinating swallowing with normal meal conversation
- Shortness of breath while eating or drinking
- Lump in throat feeling
- Loss of taste or smell
- Breathy or weak voice
ENT and Allergy Partners is highly qualified to assist you with your swallowing problems and provide you with resources tailored to you. From diagnosis to treatment, we will ensure that you feel like a valued patient by listening to your concerns and answering all your questions.
Whether it's advice or follow-up procedures, we are ready to serve. Don't hesitate to contact us for a free consultation today and start on the path toward recovery as soon as possible. It's time for you to take back control of your health and get the care that you deserve.
Putting your trust in our physicians means that we'll offer only the highest quality healthcare services in a safe environment. If you have any doubts or worries regarding your swallowing issues, don't be afraid to reach out—this might just be one of the best decisions of your life!
We have over 25 years of experience and are ready to help you better understand your condition and provide you with a solution. Schedule an appointment today!
Swallowing is a natural and essential function of the human body that we often take for granted. Unfortunately, there are several medical conditions that can impact our ability to swallow effectively, which can have serious consequences for our overall health and well-being.
Medical conditions that can affect swallowing include:
- Acid reflux (GERD)
- Cervical/neck injury or surgery
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Multiple Sclerosis and Cerebral Palsy
- Tracheotomy and laryngectomy
- Other neurological motor dysfunctions such as Parkinson’s disease
- Hiatal hernia and other digestive disorders
- Conditions that require painkillers/muscle relaxers on an ongoing basis
- Cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx, lung, esophagus, or stomach
- Drug or alcohol addiction
- Disorders affecting taste and smell
- Dementias
- Paralysis or weakness of vocal folds
Swallowing problems are extremely common and affect millions of people every year. With early intervention and proper treatment, individuals can overcome these challenges and live full and healthy lives. If you are dealing with one or more of the symptoms above, or if you believe you have one of the conditions listed, don’t hesitate to make an appointment at your local ENT and Allergy Associates office.
Patient Stories
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