The signs and symptoms of dysphagia can include:
- Pain or discomfort when swallowing: Pain or discomfort in the throat or chest when swallowing is a common symptom of dysphagia.
- Feeling like food is stuck in the throat: Feeling like food is stuck in the throat or chest can be a sign of dysphagia.
- Drooling: Drooling can occur if food or liquid leaks out of the mouth due to difficulty swallowing.
- Coughing or choking when eating or drinking: Coughing or choking when eating or drinking can be a sign of dysphagia.
- Unexpected weight loss: Unexpected weight loss can occur if eating and drinking become difficult due to dysphagia.
- Regurgitation: Regurgitation, or the feeling of food coming back up, can occur if dysphagia makes it difficult to swallow food properly.
- Changes in speech: Changes in speech, such as slurring or hoarseness, can occur if dysphagia affects the muscles used for speech.
- Being unable to chew food properly
- A gurgly, wet-sounding voice when eating or drinking
- Over time, dysphagia can also cause symptoms such as weight loss and repeated chest infections.
- Recurrent pneumonia
- Food may come out of the nose
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. In some cases, dysphagia may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as a neurological disorder, so prompt evaluation and treatment is important