What causes increasing episodes of difficulty swallowing food saliva?
Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, can be caused by various underlying medical conditions. Here are some common causes that may lead to increasing episodes of difficulty swallowing food and saliva:
1. Esophageal Strictures: Narrowing or scarring of the esophagus, often due to acid reflux, inflammation, or radiation therapy, can make swallowing difficult.
2. Zenker's Diverticulum: This is a pouch that forms in the upper part of the esophagus, causing food and saliva to accumulate, leading to swallowing problems.
3. Esophageal Cancer: Tumors in the esophagus can obstruct the passage of food and saliva, causing progressive difficulty swallowing.
4. Neurological Conditions: Neurological disorders like stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis can affect the muscles and nerves involved in swallowing, leading to dysphagia.
5. Thyroid Issues: An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) can compress the esophagus and cause difficulty swallowing.
6. Muscle Disorders: Myasthenia gravis and other neuromuscular disorders can weaken the muscles responsible for swallowing.
7. Eosinophilic Esophagitis: This is an allergic condition characterized by inflammation of the esophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing and other symptoms.
8. Hiatal Hernia: A protrusion of the stomach through an opening in the diaphragm can put pressure on the esophagus, causing swallowing problems.
9. Medications and Treatments: Certain medications and medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can cause side effects that affect swallowing.
10. Aging-Related Changes: As people age, the muscles involved in swallowing may weaken, leading to occasional swallowing difficulties.
11. Laryngeal Disorders: Conditions affecting the larynx, such as vocal cord paralysis or laryngeal cancer, can interfere with the coordination of swallowing.
12. Foreign Bodies: Occasionally, foreign objects like food particles or pills can get stuck in the esophagus, causing difficulty swallowing.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of increasing difficulty swallowing. The doctor may recommend appropriate tests, such as endoscopy or barium swallow studies, to assess the condition and provide the necessary treatment.