Food. Glorious, messy, mouthwatering food. It fuels our bodies, ignites conversation, and brings us together like nothing else. Imagine, then, if every bite became a battle, every swallow a struggle. That’s the reality for millions living with dysphagia, a tongue-twister term for difficulty swallowing.

Dysphagia throws a curveball at social life, turning birthday cake candles into anxiety flares.

What is Dysphagia?

We’ve all had the frustration of food refusing to cooperate, getting stuck like a traffic jam in your throat. Dysphagia feels similar, except it’s not just swallowing difficulties every now and then, it happens far more often and can be severely detrimental to the health and wellbeing of those who experience it.

Not all instances of struggling to swallow are considered dysphagia. Dysphagia can be likened to a mastermind behind a range of swallowing challenges, including issues like food sticking in the mouth, coughing during meals, or uncontrollable drooling.

While occasional difficulties, such as trouble with a dry sandwich, may not necessarily point to dysphagia, they can serve as warning signs. If these challenges become a daily occurrence, seeking help from healthcare professionals is crucial.

The three different types of dyphagia

Dysphagia, however, is not a one-size-fits-all problem. It manifests in three distinct forms, each affecting different stages of the swallowing process:

Oral Dysphagia

This condition resides in the mouth, making it difficult to chew, manipulate food, or execute a proper swallow. It can be compared to the sensation of trying to eat with your hands tied.

Pharyngeal Dysphagia

This condition is located in the throat, hindering the smooth passage of food. It can be visualized as a traffic jam at the throat’s bridge, with food congested until it finally clears.

Esophageal Dysphagia

This form lurks in the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach. It causes sensations of food getting stuck in the chest, similar to a stubborn burger refusing to leave the diner.

It’s important to note that these are concise descriptions. Identifying the specific type of dysphagia and finding an appropriate solution requires collaboration with healthcare professionals. However, having an understanding of these types provides a solid foundation for comprehending personal challenges with food swallowing.

Signs and symptoms of Dysphagia in kids

Dysphagia in kids can be highly distressing, both for the child and their parents or caregivers. Signs and symptoms of dysphagia in kids tend to vary depending on factors such as their age and the underlying cause, but typically, parents can recognise dysphagia through symptoms like:

• Choking and/or gagging during mealtimes, while eating or drinking
• Coughing or wheezing during or after eating food
• Refusing certain foods based on texture and type, if the consistency is difficult to swallow
• Frequent respiratory infections like pneumonia, caused by food or liquid being aspirated into the lungs
• Struggling to begin the swallowing process required to eat, which can prolong mealtimes even more
• Distress during meals, including grimacing, can be a sign of discomfort for kids
• Struggling to gain weight, or losing weight due to nutritional deficiencies caused by lack of proper food intake
• Excessive drooling and difficulty controlling saliva, and/or vocal changes, like gurgling, breathiness or hoarseness, can also be symptoms

The symptoms of dysphagia in adults are very similar to that which you can see in children. Additional symptoms include regurgitation of food or liquid after eating and/or drinking, as well as a feeling of pain or discomfort felt in the chest or throat.

If you notice any of the above signs or symptoms (remember though – this is not an exhaustive list!) it’s important to book in to see a speech pathologist for a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.

What causes dysphagia?

Dysphagia is caused by a range of different factors, and cause can typically be determined by looking at the type of dysphagia being experienced.

Common causes of oral or pharyngeal dysphagia include:

• Neurological disorders like stroke, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
• Muscle impairments and weaknesses like muscular dystrophy, leading to weaknesses in the muscles required for swallowing
• Structural issues such as inflammation or tumour in the throat or mouth
• The aging process that causes a natural decline in muscle strength and coordination

For those experiencing esophageal dysphagia, common causes can include:

• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), also known as chronic acid reflux, which can cause irritation and narrowing of the esophagus