What causes difficulty chewing and swallowing?
Certain disorders — such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease — can cause dysphagia. Neurological damage. Sudden neurological damage, such as from a stroke or brain or spinal cord injury, can affect your ability to swallow. Pharyngoesophageal diverticulum (Zenker’s diverticulum).
Why do seniors have difficulty swallowing?
Older adults’ teeth are often weak or absent. The mucosal surfaces in the mouth and throat are less moist. There is a loss of muscle strength in the mouth and throat that slows swallowing and makes it difficult to swallow hard or dry solid foods.
What do you need to know about swallowing problems?
Overview – Dysphagia (swallowing problems) Dysphagia is the medical term for swallowing difficulties. Some people with dysphagia have problems swallowing certain foods or liquids, while others can’t swallow at all. Other signs of dysphagia include: Over time, dysphagia can also cause symptoms such as weight loss and repeated chest infections.
Why do I have a hard time swallowing food?
When a medical condition creates problems with chewing or swallowing, the simple act of eating can become anything but. Pain in the mouth, stiffness or discomfort in the jaw muscles, or problems with your teeth can make it tough to chew solid foods. A condition called dysphagia can create a delay in…
Can a person with dysphagia not swallow anything?
Some people with dysphagia have problems swallowing certain foods or liquids, while others can’t swallow at all. Over time, dysphagia can also cause symptoms such as weight loss and repeated chest infections.
Why do I Choke when I swallow food?
Conditions that weaken the throat muscles of the oropharynx result in trouble swallowing, because then your body cannot move food from your mouth into the throat and esophagus. People with oropharyngeal swallowing problems often choke or gag when trying to swallow.
What foods are hard to chew?
Avoid any foods that are hard for you to chew or swallow, such as the following: Starches: Dry bread, toast, crackers, and cereal. Cereal, cake, and breads with coconut, dried fruit, nuts, and other seeds. Corn, potato, and tortilla chips and taco shells.
What diseases can cause swallowing problems?
10 Causes of Difficulty Swallowing Multiple Sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder of the nervous system. Cerebral Palsy. Stroke. Esophageal Cancer. Esophagitis. Goiter. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Myasthenia Gravis. Tonsillitis.
What can cause swallowing problems?
Neck, chest and head injuries can also lead to issues swallowing. An irritation or infection can cause esophagus narrowing. And, individuals with memory loss, dementia and cognitive decline may have trouble chewing and swallowing.
What are the symptoms of difficulty swallowing?
If you think you may have dysphagia , there are certain symptoms that may be present along with difficulty swallowing. They include: drooling. a hoarse voice. feeling that something is lodged in the throat. regurgitation. unexpected weight loss. heartburn.