Dysphagia in Ocean Springs, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat exactly is dysphagia?
Dysphagia is a person's inability or difficulty to eat or drink food and liquid. There are many reasons why an individual can experience dysphagia. It could result from muscle spasms in the esophagus, failure to chew food sufficiently, or other internal situations. Dysphagia can also refer to the sensation of food being lodged in one's chest or neck. If you notice such symptoms and need care for dysphagia in Ocean Springs, MS, help is available. Connect with our knowledgeable gastrointestinal providers at Digestive Health Center at your earliest convenience to learn more regarding the options we have to assist you in getting back to a better quality of life.
What causes dysphagia?
Dysphasia may occur in two different variations, and the causes are unique for each variation.
Oropharyngeal dysphagia
The condition known as oropharyngeal dysphagia describes difficulty starting to swallow. Neuromuscular factors are more frequent in this type of dysphagia. This is because the muscles found in the mouth, the back side of the throat, and the upper esophagus directly connect with the brain. Nerves in these structures are not immune to damage, which can result in issues with swallowing.
At times, strictures (narrowed areas in the esophagus) or tumors forming in the posterior side of the throat can cause you to have a hard time swallowing.
Esophageal dysphagia
The condition referred to as esophageal dysphagia has numerous causes, some of the most frequent being:
- Blockage by a foreign body in the esophagus
- Scarring in the esophagus from reflux (GERD)
- Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
- Esophageal muscle weakness
- Achalasia (the condition where the lower esophageal sphincter can’t relax while swallowing due to abnormal nerve control)
- Spasms in the esophagus
- Inflammation in the esophagus due to reflux
What are some symptoms of dysphagia?
The most frequent signs and symptoms of dysphagia include (but are not limited to):
- Excessive salivation
- Lack of ability to swallow
- The feeling that food is stuck in one's throat or chest
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Food or liquid regurgitates via your nose
- Food impaction (food getting stuck)
- Coughing or gagging when swallowing
- Regurgitation
- Acid reflux
- Discomfort while swallowing
- Chest pain
- Unwanted weight loss
- Hoarseness
If you have any of the dysphagia symptoms listed above or trouble swallowing, call a nearby location to request a consultation with a digestive health specialist in Ocean Springs, MS who can help get you on the road to recovery.
How is dysphagia treated?
At Digestive Health Center, we offer several treatment options to meet the individualized needs of our patients. The most common dysphagia treatments are:
- Learning exercises to re-stimulate the nerves that initiate the reflex of swallowing
- Implementing different techniques for swallowing
- Surgical intervention
- Esophageal dilation
- Medications to reduce acid reflux, corticosteroids, or muscle relaxants
- A liquid diet or feeding tube (for severe cases)
We can help your swallowing difficulties subside
If you or a loved one are living with the symptoms of dysphagia in Ocean Springs, MS, help is available. Request a consultation with a gastrointestinal specialist at Digestive Health Center today if you regularly experience any combination of the above-listed symptoms. It is imperative to see your provider right away if weight loss or vomiting accompanies any trouble swallowing.
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He is the bomb! I LOVED him when I was sick. And he is very entertaining too.
Amazing physician!!! Always listens to your concerns and has amazing bedside manner! She is very kind, thorough, and patient! Definitely recommend!!!
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Dr. Mcnair in my opinion is a wonderful, competent doctor. He shows the individual respect and allows them to participate in decisions concerning their own health and accepts deviations from the "norm" without pressure or ridicule to conform.
Dr McNair is extremely knowledgeable in his profession and has an excellent bedside manner. He explains what he is doing in terms that I can understand. Him and his staff is always professional!!!
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