(Dysphagia, Oropharyngeal; Difficulty Swallowing [Mouth or Pharynx])
Definition
Definition
Dysphagia happens when there are problems with the swallowing process. Oropharyngeal dysphagia occurs when there are problems with the swallowing process that happen in the mouth and the pharynx. The pharynx is the part of the throat behind the mouth
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Causes
Causes
Oropharyngeal dysphagia may be caused by:
- Neuromuscular disorders such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Huntington chorea
- Neurological damage such as brain or spinal cord injury
- Tumors in the mouth or throat
- Pouches in the pharynx such as Zenker’s diverticulum
- Infection such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis, strep throat, or acute epiglottitis
- Enlarged thyroid
- Enlarged tonsil
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Risk factors include:
- Having a neurological condition
- Increased age
- Being born prematurely
- Cancer
- Cancer treatment
- Throat and neck infections
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Difficulty starting the swallowing process to move food or liquid from the mouth to the pharynx—liquid may be harder to swallow than food
- A sensation that food is stuck in the throat
- Regurgitation
- Drooling, coughing, choking
- Weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration due to problems with eating and drinking
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests will be done to assess your swallowing function. These may include:
- Swallowing test to observe what happens when you swallow
- Videofluorographic swallowing study (VFSS)
Your throat may need to be viewed. This can be done with:
Your esophageal muscles may be tested. This can be done with an esophageal manometry test.
Treatment
Treatment
You and your doctor will work together to find a treatment that is right for you. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. You may need to work with a specialist. The specialist can teach you how to improve your swallowing. There are exercises and techniques that you can learn. Your doctor may also recommend that you make changes to your diet. For example, you may need to eat food and liquid of a certain kind of consistency.
Prevention
Prevention
You can reduce your risk of oropharyngeal dysphagia by getting proper treatment for any related conditions.
RESOURCES:
Dysphagia Research Society http://www.dysphagiaresearch.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologist https://www.osla.on.ca
References:
http://www.asha.org/Research/reports/dysphagia/
Published 2008. Accessed August 13, 2013.
Dysphagia. Cedars-Sinai website. Available at:
http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Health-Conditions/Dysphagia.aspx
Accessed August 13, 2013.
Dysphagia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/
Updated August 2, 2013. Accessed August 13, 2013.
Dysphagia. World Gastroenterology Organisation website. Available at:
http://www.worldgastroenterology.org/assets/downloads/en/pdf/guidelines/08_dysphagia.pdf
Published 2007. Accessed August 13, 2013.
Huckabee M. Application of EMG biofeedback in the treatment of oral pharyngeal dysphagia. Biofeedback Foundation of Europe website. Available at:
http://www.bfe.org/protocol/pro06eng.htm
Published 1997. Accessed August 13, 2013.
Restive D, Marchese-Ragona R, Lauria G, Squatrito S, Gullo D, Vigneri R. Botulinum toxin treatment for oropharyngeal dysphagia associated with diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes Care. 2006 Dec;29(12):2650-3. Available at:
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/29/12/2650.short
Accessed August 13, 2013.
Last Updated: 8/13/2013