Tuesday, 16 December 2014

How To Treat Swallowing Disorders

By Misty Tyler


Swallowing is a complex act that is important in everyday routine of every human being. It is actually an action involving the muscles and nerves within the pharynx and esophagus where a functional center in the nerves and brain are connected to the pharynx and esophagus to the main swallowing center. Basically, these problems are common to elderly and can cause dehydration, weight loss, pneumonia and airway obstruction. Most of these disorders affect the esophageal phases.

Dysphagia usually occurs due to various structural or functional conditions including cancers or stroke and other neurological diseases. Thus, a thorough and careful physical conditions must be conducted to anyone with this swallowing disorders to be diagnosed and treated. The examinations include the larynx, neck and mouth. Mostly, the neurological exam may be performed as well as supplemental studies.

Dysphagia may cause mortality and morbidity. It may result from complicated disorders, such as stroke, Alzheimer disease and even cancer. Aspiration pneumonia is a common cause of death for many hospitalized patients. Disorders of swallowing can be categorized based to the phases that affect the impairments of the pharyngeal and oral phases.

First is the oral phase. Disorders that affects the oral preparatory and propulsive phases can be a result from impaired control of the tongue, although dental issues may also be the reason. When eating solid food, a patient may have difficulties of chewing and initiating swallows. When drinking, patients may also find it very hard to swallow the liquid. As a result, liquid spills into the unprepared pharynx and results in aspiration.

The other condition is the pharyngeal phase. Malfunctions in the pharyngeal phase may be transmitted to the esophagus and become impaired. So, the food in the pharynx will be retained after you swallow. Basically, the aspiration is a certain passage of the food or liquid that goes through the vocal folds. A patient may aspirates and at risk of serious pneumonia. Most effects can be variable as well and may influence the aspiration effects.

When this problem occurs and the cause is not visible, you have to seek medical help from your surgeon. He or she will then discuss with you the main cause and history of the problem. If you experience some difficulties, it is crucial to seek treatment to avoid malnutrition and dehydration.

Typically, there are some disorders that can be treated with proper medications. Drugs can slow down the acid production, muscle relaxants and antacids are the many medicines available today. Most of the treatments are also fitted to a specific cause of the problem.

These problems can be treated by a constant change of eating and living habits. It is better to consider healthy diet, reduce or eliminate caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. It is better to avoid eating 3 hours before going to bed and elevate your bed head at might. If these are not efficient and effective, you may take antacids after meal or before bedtime to give you relief.

There are other problems that can be treated by a direct therapy. Actually, there are some patients who have a hard time feeding themselves. Thus, an occupational therapist can aid the patient in feeding techniques. A nutritional expert can also determine the amount of food to sustain a patient supplements if necessary.




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