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Ablatotech Biotherapeutics Company
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Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
What is it?
Dysphagia is a condition where an individual has difficulty swallowing food, liquids, or even saliva. This can occur due to a variety of issues in the mouth, throat, or esophagus.
What are the symptoms?
Pain while swallowing
Feeling of food being stuck in the throat or chest
Choking or coughing during or after eating
Regurgitation of food
Weight loss (due to difficulty eating)
Frequent heartburn or acid reflux
What else could it be? (Differential diagnosis)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Stroke
Neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease)
Esophageal cancer
Achalasia (disorder of the esophagus)
Oral or throat infections
What are the aggravating factors?
Acid reflux or GERD
Neurological conditions (stroke, Parkinson’s, etc.)
Structural issues in the esophagus
Aging (muscle weakening)
What types of food are helpful?
Soft foods: Pureed or mashed foods that are easy to swallow.
Thickened liquids: Helps prevent choking.
Avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods: These can aggravate symptoms.
Sample Recipe: Pureed Sweet Potato Soup
Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, vegetable broth, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Directions: Cook sweet potatoes and blend them with broth for a smooth, easy-to-swallow soup.
What are the traditional treatments?
Speech therapy: Specialized therapy to improve swallowing techniques.
Medications: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for GERD, or muscle relaxants for certain esophageal disorders.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be needed to correct structural issues or treat underlying conditions.
Dysphagia diet: Soft foods, thickened liquids, and small bites to ease swallowing.
What are the natural and alternative treatments?
Slippery elm: May help soothe the throat and esophagus.
Chamomile tea: Has anti-inflammatory properties that can ease throat irritation.
Honey: Known to soothe and coat the throat.