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Swallowing problems

  • Description

    • Difficulty with swallowing is the feeling that food or liquid is stuck in the throat or at any point before the food enters the stomach. This problem is also called dysphagia.

      This may be caused by a brain or nerve disorder, stress or anxiety, or problems that involve the tube leading from your throat to your stomach-the esophagus.
  • Alternative Names

    • Dysphagia - self-care
  • What to Expect at Home

    • Symptoms of swallowing problems include:

      • Coughing or choking, either during or after eating
      • Gurgling sounds from the throat, during or after eating
      • Throat clearing after drinking or swallowing
      • Slow chewing or eating
      • Coughing food back up after eating
      • Hiccups after swallowing
      • Chest discomfort during or after swallowing
      • Unexplained weight loss

      Symptoms may be mild or severe.
  • Home Care

    • Most people with dysphagia should be checked by a health care provider. But these general tips may help.

      • Keep mealtime relaxed.
      • Sit up as straight as possible when you eat.
      • Take small bites, less than 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of food per bite.
      • Chew well and swallow your food before taking another bite.
      • If one side of your face or mouth is weaker, chew food on the stronger side of your mouth.
      • DO NOT mix solid foods with liquids in the same bite.
      • DO NOT try to wash down solids with sips of liquids, unless your speech or swallowing therapist says this is OK.
      • DO NOT talk and swallow at the same time.
      • Sit upright for 30 to 45 minutes after eating.
      • DO NOT drink thin liquids without checking with your doctor or therapist first.

      You may need someone to remind you to finish swallowing. It may also help to ask caregivers and family members not to talk to you when you are eating or drinking.
  • When to Call the Doctor

    • Call your provider if:

      • You cough or have fever or shortness of breath
      • You are losing weight
      • Your swallowing problems are getting worse
  • References

    • Brown DJ, Lefton-Greif MA, Ishman SL. Aspiration and swallowing disorders. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund LJ, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 209.

      National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders. Dysphagia. Rockville, MD. October 2010. NIH publications 13-4307. Updated March 9, 2016. www.nidcd.nih.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/health/voice/NIDCD-Dysphagia.pdf. Accessed May 28, 2016.

      Pandolfino JE, Kahrilas PJ. Esophageal neuromuscular function and motility disorders. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 43.