When should i be worried about trouble swallowing?

What are swallowing disorders?

Having a hard time swallowing, also known as dysphagia, can happen with some neurological conditions including:

There are two main symptoms of swallowing disorders.

Some people are not able to swallow any food or drinks.

Dysphagia causes

I feel like i can't swallow my saliva

Difficulty swallowing medical term

Feels like i can't swallow but i can

Difficulty swallowing liquids but not solids

Others may cough or choke on things they swallow when it goes down the wrong part of their throat. When someone chokes on their food or drink it puts them at risk for aspiration. Aspiration is when food or drinks go down the windpipe into the lungs.

This can be very dangerous and lead to pneumonia, an illness that affects the lungs.

People who have difficulty swallowing may have food that gets “stuck” when they swallow and may start drooling. They drool because they have a hard time swallowing the saliva in their mouth.

What is the best medicine for dysphagia

Treatment includes adding thickeners to food and drinks or changing how the individual eats or chews. Medication may make it easier for some people to swallow. For more severe cases, people may need surgery or a feeding tube.