Swallowing is one of those actions that you probably don't think about much till there's a problem. Swallowing is largely involuntary, so difficulty swallowing can be frustrating. Food catching in your throat, tightness, choking, and pain while swallowing may indicate that you have trouble swallowing in Burleson, TX. An appointment with your doctor, Dr. Anees of Southwest Gastroenterology Clinic and Surgery Center, will help identify and treat what's giving you trouble while swallowing.
What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia simply means trouble swallowing. Swallowing solids and liquids is difficult, hence, you may have trouble getting proper nutrition. Signs of dysphagia include:
- Food catching in your throat
- Choking
- Tightness
- Trouble breathing
- Pain while swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Drooling
- Coughing up food
- Frequent heartburn
- Dehydration
Investigating Food Caught in Your Throat
If you constantly feel like something is caught in your throat or you've got other signs of dysphagia, you should see your doctor. Investigating the source of your dysphagia helps eliminate serious causes such as throat or thyroid cancer. Your doctor will begin by questioning you about your symptoms. Next up is an endoscopy that helps your doctor check your throat for the possible cause of your dysphagia.
Biopsy of suspicious tissues found in your esophagus may be necessary. Your doctor may also recommend a videofluoroscopic swallow study to observe your swallowing process. After investigations, your doctor will make recommendations to reduce your discomfort. These recommendations may be conservative such as changing your position while eating and swallowing smaller food portions.
Modifying your diet to include foods that are easier to swallow may also help relieve your trouble swallowing in Burleson, TX. Dysphagia due to Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may improve with antacids or acid reducers. Medicines to relax your throat muscles can help make swallowing easier for you if your dysphagia is due to muscular problems. Finally, surgery can help some patients by removing whatever mass is obstructing the esophagus.
If you have trouble swallowing in Burleson, TX, call (817) 293-9292 to consult your doctor, Dr. Anees of Southwest Gastroenterology Clinic and Surgery Center, to diagnose and treat the cause of your dysphagia.