Are you or your loved one having trouble swallowing? Let's talk about it.

Swallowing is something most of us do without thinking - until it becomes difficult.

Studies show that up to 15 percent of the elderly population is affected by dysphagia (the medical term for difficulty swallowing).

Trouble swallowing can range from mild inconvenience to a sign of a more serious condition.

It may feel like food is getting stuck, cause coughing or choking during meals, or eating takes much longer than usual. Some people find they are not able to finish their meals at all. Others avoid certain foods or liquids altogether because they are afraid of choking.

Over time, this can result in dehydration, weight loss, and poor nutrition, which weakens the body further and makes recovery more difficult.

Having dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) also increases risk of getting aspiration pneumonia, a lung infection caused when food, liquid, or even saliva accidentally enters the lungs instead of the stomach. This can lead to repeated chest infections, persistent coughing, or in severe cases, life-threatening pneumonia.

Causes of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

There are many possible causes of swallowing difficulty, including:

• Age-related changes in swallowing function
  
  
• Muscle or nerve problems affecting the throat or oesophagus
  
  
• Complications from acid reflux or previous surgery
  
  
• Neurological conditions such as stroke or Parkinson's disease
  
  
• Structural issues such as narrowing or growths 

Managing dysphagia

Managing swallowing difficulty involves a multifaceted approach.

This usually includes assessment by an ENT doctor and a speech therapist. Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause, and, when needed, diet modifications, safe swallow strategies and swallow exercises to strengthen the muscle involved are advised.

If you notice persistent swallowing difficulties - especially if accompanied by pain, voice changes, coughing during meals, or unintentional weight loss - it is important to seek medical attention early.

Many causes are treatable, and timely intervention can improve your safety, nutrition, and quality of life.

Feel free to ask your questions in this forum, Dr Ng is here to help you understand your symptoms and guide you on the next steps.

Dr Christina Ng is a Consultant at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Sengkang General Hospital (SKH).

Dr Ng trained in Singapore and completed advanced fellowship training in Laryngology and Bronchoesophagology at Stanford University, specialising in complex voice, airway and swallowing disorders. 

As an active clinician, researcher, and educator, Dr Ng holds academic appointments at Duke-NUS Medical School, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.

She also serves as Clinical Core Faculty of the SingHealth Otolaryngology Residency Programme. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, serves as a journal reviewer, and is a member of the American Broncho-Esophagological Association.

Ref: G25

Related articles:
Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing): What To Do

Exercises for Dysphagia: How Tongue Stretching Can Help

Swallowing Exercises for Dysphagia: Masako Maneuver

Swallowing Exercises for Dysphagia: Effortful Swallow Exercise