Dysphagia is a common condition that affects individuals of all ages. Often, this condition goes underreported. Older individuals are more at risk of developing the swallowing disorder for various reasons.

There are many treatment options for dysphagia. Many people see Facebook posts from SimplyThick and think altering the texture of their food is all they need to do. However, doctors take several steps to determine the cause of this dysphagia and how best to treat it. 

Diagnosing Dysphagia

Many people believe a doctor only diagnoses dysphagia. However, when examining a patient with swallowing disorder symptoms, the doctor focuses on the specific symptoms. This exam helps them determine which tests should be run and how to diagnose and treat the patient.

For example, if a patient complains of an obstruction in the throat or neck, the doctor will know they should look for distal esophageal lesions. When the patient says they have trouble starting to swallow or that they cough, choke, or aspirate foods when eating, the doctor should look for a neurological condition. Chronic neurological conditions that can lead to dysphagia include Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and stroke. The doctor must evaluate the patient comprehensively because they may be at high risk of aspirating foods or liquids.

If a patient states that they feel their food is getting stuck after they swallow, the doctor should look for signs of esophageal dysphagia. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common cause of this type of dysphagia, but it could also be the result of a functional esophageal disorder. Food allergens can lead to a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis, and this condition is becoming more prevalent. The doctor must perform an esophageal biopsy to diagnose a patient with this swallowing disorder.

Achalasia and other esophageal motility disorders appear to be overdiagnosed as they are rare. The doctor must look for esophageal dysfunction brought on by opioid use because this is becoming more prevalent. When the doctor suspects one of these conditions, they order an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. They may also have the patient undergo a barium esophagography to ensure they find the correct cause of the patient’s symptoms. 

Fortunately, there is rarely a serious condition that leads to swallowing issues. Esophageal cancer is not that common. Low-risk patients may not be tested until they have undergone a four-week trial of acid-suppressing therapy to see if that will reduce or eliminate the symptoms. Patients should discuss their options with their medical team if they are uncomfortable waiting to be tested for other possible causes.

Why the Correct Diagnosis is Essential

Seniors with progressive neurological disorders often suffer from dysphagia, and it goes undiagnosed. They are at significant risk of malnourishment and aspiration pneumonia. When they do receive the diagnosis of dysphagia, the medical team must discuss how this patient can be treated to minimize the need for potentially harmful interventions. The medical team may call in a speech-language pathologist or other specialist to develop a treatment plan that addresses the patient’s needs. The team will look into safe swallowing techniques, rehabilitation, and palliative care while considering the senior’s overall health and physical status.

Any person may occasionally have difficulty swallowing. They can make small changes to their eating habits and overcome the problem without medical help. When help is needed, the cause of the swallowing issue is usually benign and self-limited. Rarely is the person suffering from a serious or life-threatening condition. However, seniors with progressive neurological disorders often struggle with swallowing issues, and their risk of aspiration pneumonia and malnourishment is high. They need to be promptly diagnosed, and a treatment plan developed to ensure the highest quality of life in their final years here.