The Biggest Early Warning Signs You Have A Swallowing Impairment
HuffPost
Difficulty swallowing or coughing while eating every so often isn't a big deal. However, there's a fine line between that and a more serious issue.
The odd swallowing mishap from time to time is generally nothing to worry about. It may happen when you talk or laugh while eating and drinking, or when you try to push down too-large bites because you’re rushing through your meal.
But if a swallowing issue occurs with some sort of regularity or pattern, this raises concerns, said Deborah Ross, a speech-language pathologist and CEO of San Diego Speech Therapy. There might be some damage or weakening of the muscles or nerves involved in the swallowing process.
Left unmanaged, difficulty swallowing (also known as dysphagia) can lead to airway blockage, malnutrition, dehydration and recurrent chest infections. You may be at higher risk of aspiration pneumonia, where you develop an infection from food or liquid that enters your airway.
Swallowing impairment affects around 1 in 7 independent adults ages 60 and above. According to Ross, it is underrecognized and often goes undetected. Many people also don’t know the signs or how to manage it.
What are common causes of impaired swallowing?
