Researchers Gained Useful Insight In A Swallow Study For Dysphagia

By Nora Jennings


When ingesting food becomes extremely difficult the condition dysphagia may be the reason. Medical testing is done to confirm whether it is the cause or not. When researchers conducted a swallow study for dysphagia, the results provided information of value for those suffering from the disorder.

The majority of sufferers are older adults, those who have a brain or nervous system disorder and infants. When swallowing is difficult once or twice, that does not confirm that an individual has the disorder. It must occur regularly to qualify as this debilitating condition.

The tests to confirm dysphagia and its cause are varied. One x-ray test involves the patient drinking a contrast material to highlight food as it passes through the esophagus. A physician observes the progress and the barium allows any blockage to be highlighted.

In another, the dynamic test, the patient swallows food of various consistencies that are first coated with barium. The doctor observes as they move through the esophagus. The goal is to see how well these muscles function.

When food or drink goes down the airway instead of the esophagus, it is a dangerous situation. It sometimes causes death. If someone drinks to excess and passes out, he or she may vomit and the airway may be obstructed if he or she is unconscious.

The endoscopy uses an endoscope, which is a lighted instrument, and threads it down the throat. This allows the physician to see the inside walls of your esophagus. Another invasive test passes a fiber optic tube called the laryngoscope in through the nose.

A manometry test also threads a narrow tube down the throat. It is attached to a diagnostic device. That device can measure the strength of contractions that are normally strong enough to take food from the mouth to the stomach. These diagnostic tests provide valuable insight.

If the test results indicate the patient suffers from this disorder, treatment will be arranged with the professional who can best serve him or her. A speech language therapist will work with an oropharyngeal case. The nerves that trigger the swallow reflex will be stimulated to reactivate them. There may be a new way to chew and swallow that will be helpful.

Dilation of the sphincter muscle in the esophagus is the usual treatment for esophageal dysphagia. In the case of a tumor, surgical excision is indicated as the proper way to treat the patient. There is a condition called GERD that is improved by taking prescription medication.

If someone has one or two spasms that cause temporary swallowing difficulties, it may not be dysphagia. The tests will indicate a normal esophagus. Medication can be prescribed to reduce discomfort. If it occurs again, the individual can be retested.

An elderly person who is dysphagic may be unable to get the proper nutrition. A liquid diet may be prescribed. In a case where the patient is in a comatose state, a feeding tube may be the only solution.

One research study was conducted to gauge the incidence of dysphagia and how it relates to pulmonary compromise in those who have suffered a cardiovascular accident, also called a stroke. This was done using existing databases. The risk factor of dysphagia patients developing pneumonia was investigated. The frequency of this comorbidity was the factor being studied.




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