Various Treatment Methods For Dysphagia

All of us need to digest our food in proper manners for energizing our body. Many persons find it difficult to digest the food due to some problems in the throat. Difficulty in swallowing the food from the mouth to the stomach trough the throat is known as Dysphagia. People of all ages and both sexes are prone to this disease.

Causes - Dysphagia may be caused due to weakened muscles in the wall of the esophagus. Diffuse spasm is also responsible for the same. Hurdles in swallowing may be caused due to narrowed stricture. Difficulty in swallowing the food may be caused due to esophageal tumors. Some foreign substances in the throat may block it. GERD and scar-like tissues may also be behind Dysphagia that may occur due to radiation therapy too. This disease may attack because of neurological disorders or damages. Aging and certain cancers may also result in Dysphagia.

Symptoms - Persons suffering from Dysphagia generally complain of painful sensations while swallowing the food. They feel that food particles have got stuck in the throat or the chest. Other symptoms of this disease include drooling and hoarseness. The food sometimes starts coming back towards the throat. Heartburns, gagging and coughing are also the signs of this disease. Dysphagia patients may complain of weight loss too.

Treatment – Candidly, treatment for Dysphagia depends upon the causes that are responsible for the same. Following treatment methods are useful for curing it: 

Dilation – This method involves a device that is placed down the esophagus for expanding the narrow areas. Treatment may be repeated in many cases.

Exercising – Those affected with problems with their nerves, brain or muscles need to exercise their muscles. It helps them to work together for easy swallowing of food. The sufferers may also have to learn the positioning of their body or the techniques of putting food in the mouth for easy swallowing.

Change in diets – The doctor may advise changing the foods and liquids for proper swallowing.

Endoscopy – This process may be necessitated in certain cases. A long thin scope may be used for removing any object that might have stuck in the esophagus.

Surgery – This procedure may be required for removing any tumor or diverticula that might have blocked the esophagus. Surgery may be needed for the persons that are challenged with disordered lower esophageal muscle.

Medicines – Antibiotic medicines may be recommended for getting rid of infections in the esophagus. Stomach acid may be prevented from entering the esophagus with prescription medicines. Medications including corticosteroids may also be necessitated in certain cases. Feeding tube may be required in rare cases when someone feels difficulty in having food and liquids.

Visual examination of the esophagus and x-ray may be needed for the patients. Likewise Fiber-optic endoscopic swallowing evaluation may be needed for certain persons that suffer from Dysphagia.

PET, MRI Scan or CT may also be necessitated for few patients.

Those suffering from this disease are advised to form good eating habits. Food must be taken in smaller quantities. The patients must stay away from poor diets, caffeine and alcohol.

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Why people like ayurvedic medicines for dysphagia

Many a times we come across situations when taking food through our throat down to the stomach become too difficult. Our digestive track is also affected with this problem that results in problematic carriage of the food particles from our throat to the stomach. Such conditions are termed as Dysphagia. Our esophagus gets narrowed due to this difficulty that results in other problems for the food to go down to the stomach. One feels that his or her food pipe and throat have been blocked.

Causes of Dysphagia – Dyspepsia occurs because of weakened esophagus wall and existence of a pocket on its exterior. These two reasons are behind the disease that may affect due to trapping of the food inside the pocket that exists in the pharynx. Parkinson’s disease may also result in Dysphagia. It may occur because of irritated or infected throat. Those suffering from any stroke or injured head are also prone to this ailment. Habitual drunkards can also fall victim to Dysphagia that may occur because of improper maintenance of our teeth. Few drugs may also be the culprits behind this disease.

Symptoms of Dysphagia – This disease can be recognized by the following signs – (a) Those affected with this ailment usually find difficulty in swallowing the food and other eatables. (b) Acute pain while swallowing even the liquids are also the symptoms of this disease. (c) Dysphagia can be characterized by acute coughing following our meals. (d) Weight loss because of difficulty in taking food is also the sign of this problem. (e) Those suffering from Dysphagia face hoarseness of their voice after taking the meals. (f) Frequent attacks of pneumonia because of food particles entering the lungs. (g) Saliva gets breathed into the lungs when one swallows something. (h) Liquid gets replicated through nose. (i) Belching is also the symptom of Dysphagia. (j) Dysphagia patients show signs of sore throat and heartburn.

Ayurvedic Treatment – Different types of medicines including the allopathic ones are available for treating dysphagia. Following herbs and other products are treated as effective Ayurvedic medicines for dysphagia:

a. Mashed cereals work wonders for this disease. Taking them in regular manners gives good results. It is recommended that cereals are taken after proper cooking.
b. Use of Licorice in even manners helps in saying NO to Dysphagia. Disorders related with our gastrointestinal track can be set aright with Licorice that helps in soothing the same. Those attacked with upper respiratory track infection because of cough and cold must try it that helps in treating inflammatory and allergic conditions.
c. Taking lime juice by squeezing it in warm water works wonders. Adding some honey and salt into this gives better results. Repeat it several times a day and see the wonderful experience.
d. Dysphagia can be treated well with slippery elm powder that may be taken with water. Instant relief can be had with its even use.

Patients affected with Dysphagia are advised to gargle with warm water. Salt and lime juice may be mixed for good results. Harsh or spicy foods should be avoided. Alcohol and tobacco should be kept at distance. Fruits, cooked eggs and vegetable soups are also good for the patients.

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