Difficulty Swallowing in Northwest Arkansas
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Find a ProviderWhat is trouble swallowing?
Dysphagia is a term for when a person has difficulty swallowing or is completely unable to move food and liquids down the throat and esophagus to the stomach. Swallowing problems may be symptomatic of many health conditions, from muscle contractions to allergic food reactions. It is important to identify the reason for the difficulty so the right therapy can be delivered to avoid experiencing a substantial problem. If you want to find out more about the therapy options we provide for difficulty swallowing in Arkansas, reach out to the GI physicians at GI Alliance of Arkansas to arrange a visit.
What causes dysphagia?
Dysphagia is not caused by one single disorder or condition. If you have a hard time moving food through your esophagus, it may be because of a disease that has been undetected, a food allergy, or inflammation in your food pipe. The following are some explanations for why you might have difficulty passing food through your mouth, throat, and esophagus:
- Esophageal rings (folds of tissue that tighten the inner esophagus)
- Muscle contractions
- Nervous system problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Achalasia, which happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) becomes paralyzed
- Foreign objects in the esophagus or throat
- Scarring from acid reflux
Difficulty swallowing can affect people of different ages but is seen more frequently in seniors. If you want to hear more regarding the different causes of difficulty swallowing and the therapies that are available to you, arrange an appointment with the digestive health specialists at GI Alliance of Arkansas.
What are the symptoms of dysphagia?
A variety of conditions can cause you to have a hard time swallowing. If you are having dysphagia, it is vital to receive treatment as promptly as possible to make certain that you can eat and breathe normally. A few of the primary symptoms of dysphagia are things like:
- Shortness of breath
- No ability to swallow
- Hoarseness
- A feeling of food in the esophagus
- Food coming back up into your throat
- Repeated acid reflux
- Discomfort in the esophagus when swallowing
Schedule an appointment to consult with a GI physician in Arkansas now when you suffer from any combination of the above-named symptoms routinely. It is vital to consult with your doctor if your swallowing trouble is accompanied by weight loss or vomiting.
What are the treatment options for difficulty swallowing?
Treating dysphagia starts with pinpointing the reason for your problem. If the underlying cause turns out to be an allergic food reaction, the correct steps will be taken to reduce inflammation, and we will recommend that you stop eating the item. In the event of inflammation in the lining of the esophagus, your doctor will identify the cause, determining whether it is related to a bacterial or viral infection (causing irritation and swelling in the esophagus) or injury due to acid reflux. For individuals with muscle spasms in the esophagus, our physicians often recommend taking muscle relaxers or surgery. Allow the GI physicians at GI Alliance of Arkansas to work alongside you to strengthen your ability to swallow.
Relief you can feel
If you're struggling to live with dysphagia and searching for a skilled team to help you handle the issue, contact the GI providers at GI Alliance of Arkansas. Your doctor will work to determine the source and decide on a therapy that works best for you. Please do not delay in booking a visit, as trouble swallowing may point to a larger concern that requires quick attention. If you require care for difficulty swallowing in Arkansas, request a consultation today to acquire the solution to ease your worries.
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Amber at the Dallas office was very helpful and nice. I finally got my questions answered. I had been passed around by other employees and Washington Regional. Amber took control, told me when she would get back to me. She got back to me that afternoon. Thanks Amber for your caring and go get it done attitude. We need more people like you Best Regards Nancy Reynolds
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