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Hidden symptoms of swallowing disorders: How to recognize if food is regurgitating from the nose?
Oropharyngeal dysphagia refers to a condition in which food cannot be successfully passed into the esophagus due to malfunction of the organs near the esophagus. The manifestation of this symptom varies depending on the pathology and specific symptoms. Patients may experience a feeling of food stuck in the throat, frequent coughing and choking, weight loss, recurrent chest infections, and even food regurgitation into the nasal cavity. . The prevalence of dysphagia varies widely depending on age and environmental factors, with studies suggesting that it ranges from 2% to 16% in the general population.
Symptoms and signs
Symptoms of dysphagia include: easy loss of control of food in the mouth, inability to control food or saliva in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, coughing, choking, frequent pneumonia, unexplained weight loss, hoarseness or a wet feeling after swallowing , nasal food reflux and other related symptoms. When asked where food is stuck, patients often point to the neck as the site of obstruction.
If left untreated, dysphagia may lead to complications such as aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, or dehydration.
Diagnostic Methods
Doctors usually suspect dysphagia when people answer yes to questions including, "Do you cough or choke when you eat?" and "Does food come back up through your nose after you swallow?" You may have a modified barium swallow (MBS) test, where liquids and foods of varying viscosities are mixed with barium sulfate and given by spoon, cup, or syringe, followed by an X-ray.
Differential diagnosis and treatment
Just as a stroke may cause pharyngeal dysfunction, such symptoms may also improve after an acute phase. Parkinson's disease can also cause swallowing disorders, and the condition is often closely related to the degree of dysphagia. After treatment is complete, medical personnel usually recommend improvements through thickness additives, posture techniques, swallowing exercises, etc.
For some patients, it may be necessary to change their diet to make it easier to chew or swallow.
Environmental and lifestyle adjustments
Environmental changes are also important in reducing the risk of aspiration. For example, reduce distractions during mealtimes, such as not having too many people eating together or turning off the TV while eating. These details help patients focus and reduce anxiety, which can lead to improved eating.
Conclusion
As people gain a better understanding of dysphagia, recognizing and considering the potential harms of this condition will help with early identification and intervention. However, in the face of these challenges, we should reflect: Have you or your relatives and friends ever noticed any abnormalities when swallowing?
