Difficulty Swallowing

Dysphagia, which means difficulty swallowing, occurs when the patient has trouble moving liquids and solids from the mouth down the esophagus to the stomach. In certain cases, swallowing may become painful or may become impossible to perform at all.

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While it is normal to have trouble swallowing once in a while, persistent dysphagia should be addressed by a medical professional, as it may be a sign of a more serious underlying health concern. Our qualified ENT specialists at Florida ENT Associates can evaluate your difficulty swallowing and find a solution that helps you regain your comfort and quality of life.

Dysphagia Treatment Options

Our experienced ENT doctors at Florida ENT Associates will diagnose the root problem that is causing your difficulty swallowing, pinpointing at exactly which phase of the swallowing process the trouble is occurring. We will then create a treatment plan geared to your needs and goals.

Treatment may include therapy for swallowing and exercises to help move the mouth, jaw, and tongue more efficiently so as to better break down food. Our doctors may also recommend certain medications as well as an individualized diet plan.

About Dysphagia

Dysphagia can arise at any number of points during the swallowing mechanism. Some clients may experience problems when food is in transit to the throat from the mouth, while others may struggle with getting the food to transit properly through the esophagus to the stomach. It’s important that you get to the bottom of your condition and delve into whether an underlying medical condition is causing the problem. It can be urgent to treat swallowing problems. If they are left untreated, it can lead to serious weight loss, vomiting, and obstacles to breathing.

Symptoms of Dysphagia

Painful to swallow
Difficult or impossible to swallow
Coughing
Gagging
Drooling
Vomiting
Acid reflux/heartburn
Feeling like food is stuck in the windpipe
Weight loss

About Florida ENT Associates

Florida ENT Associates is a state-of-the-art ENT practice serving Lake Wales, Winter Haven, Haines City, Sebring, and Clermont. We provide top-tier services that help restore peace of mind and optimal well-being. Our clinic is founded on the following principles:

Personalized Treatment

We approach each client’s care with the individual in mind rather than using a cookie-cutter approach.

Top-rated Physician Network

Our team of rigorously trained and seasoned ENT specialists act collaboratively to ensure you receive exponential recovery from your condition.

Continuity of Care

Our treatment process is seamless and stress-free, from your first consultation to the guidance and support you receive long after you leave our offices.

Community Investment

Giving back to the community is among our top priorities. We love to share our resources, knowledge, and services with others in need.

FAQs

Who is affected by dysphagia?

Patients of all different ages can experience difficulty swallowing. However, older clients are more at risk of having underlying health issues that are causing the problem. Patients with nerve or neurological disorders or those with cancer may have weakened throat muscles that make swallowing more hazardous. Additionally, patients suffering from GERD or other esophageal disorders may also have trouble swallowing properly.

Is there anything I can do to prevent dysphagia?

There is no way to anticipate swallowing problems, and thus, there is no way to prevent them. However, you can try to take smaller bites and chew your food well. If you suspect that a more serious medical condition is to blame for your dysphagia, you should see a qualified ENT doctor as soon as possible.

Is swallowing difficulty cause for alarm?

It depends on whether the condition occurs once or twice or more chronically. If swallowing is difficult on a daily basis, it may inhibit you from taking in the proper nourishment and nutrients, leading to a deficit. If food remains stuck in the throat, it can lead to choking, which could potentially be fatal. Thus it is imperative that you see an ENT professional right away if you are experiencing chronic problems with swallowing.