How to Find Reasons for Swallowing Problems

Difficulty swallowing is a symptom of a variety of disorders and has a number of causes. Swallowing problems can indicate neurological disorders, muscular problems and emotional disorders. It also can be a side effect of medications. Finding the reasons you are having difficulty swallowing can prevent further development of serious diseases, as well as prevent unwanted weight loss or choking, which might be caused by swallowing problems.

Things You'll Need

• Medical symptoms encyclopedia
• Medication encyclopedia
• List of medications you are taking

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Instructions

• 1

  Examine the source of your difficulty in swallowing. The problem could occur with a pain in the mouth or jaw or difficulty in moving your mouth when chewing. The problem also could occur with pain or difficulty moving the muscles in your throat or passing the food from your throat to your esophagus. When examining the source of your swallowing problem, take a small bite of food and chew it as thoroughly as possible to prevent choking. While doing this, think about the source of the difficulty. Also consider whether the difficulty occurs with solids, liquids or both.

• 2

  Identify any other symptoms that, when combined with swallowing problems, could indicate a serious disorder. These symptoms include chills, cough, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, heart burn or weight loss.

• 3

  Consult an online or print medical symptoms encyclopedia. Most of these encyclopedias have a section on swallowing problems, as it is a very common symptom of several disorders. Consult the section on the localized area of swallowing problems you identified earlier, as well as any additional symptoms you are having.

• 4

  Make a list of all the medications you are taking. Consult an online or print medication encyclopedia. Read about the side effects of the medication to see if difficulty swallowing is one of them. Consult a pharmacy technician or doctor to see if drug interactions from your medication could cause difficulty swallowing.

• 5

  Consult your doctor. Be prepared for your office visit by compiling a list of your symptoms. Be sure to provide your doctor with a list of medications you are taking, as well as any vitamin or nutritional supplements.