Problems Swallowing Cold Liquids

Difficulty in swallowing is a common medical problem known as dysphagia. Swallowing is a complex task that involves many muscles, joints and bones. An error during any step in the process can cause difficulty swallowing. Hot or cold liquids should be avoided as extreme temperatures may make the problem worse. Dysphagia has numerous causes and treatments that can be diagnosed by a physician or speech-language pathologist. Many people experience feelings in their chest during an episode of swallowing difficulty. This feeling actually occurs in the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach, known as the esophagus.

Causes

• Persistent difficulty swallowing may indicate a condition that requires treatment.

  Difficulty in swallowing has several causes that change with age. Occasional difficulty with swallowing is generally not a concern. Persistent difficulty in swallowing may indicate a serious medical issue. In children, it commonly arises from developmental conditions such as cerebral palsy and physical malformations. Adults may experience difficulty swallowing cold liquids due to gastroesophageal reflux disease, tumors, achalasia, anxiety disorder, Parkinson's disease and stroke. Any condition that affects the anatomy of the mouth and esophagus can potentially cause difficulty swallowing.

Symptoms

• Physicians may perform a variety of tests to discover the cause of the difficulty in swallowing.

  Difficulty in swallowing may be accompanied with other symptoms that may indicate the cause. A physician should be contacted immediately if you are experiencing difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing medication or weight loss. Other symptoms that may be present include coughing, abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, wheezing and vomiting. Additionally, the patient may experience heaviness, pressure or pain in the chest area. Feelings in the chest generally indicate esophageal dysphagia, meaning the cause of the difficulty swallowing is in the tube carrying food from the mouth to the stomach. Healthcare providers should be informed of these symptoms in order to make an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment

• Treatment also depends on the severity of symptoms and cost of treatment.

  Treatment depends on the cause of the difficulty in swallowing. Surgery, medication and certain body positions have proven effective in treating dysphagia. If the cause of the difficulty is GERD, antacids or proton pump inhibitors may be prescribed. If the cause is due to esophageal muscles preventing the liquid from reaching the stomach, the physician may prescribe medication to relax the esophagus and prevent spasms. If a tumor or physical abnormality is present, surgery may be required to remove the blockage.