Oropharyngeal dysphagia is the impossibility or difficulty in swallowing. That is, it comprises alterations in the passage of the food bolus from the time it enters the mouth until it passes into the esophagus through the upper esophageal sphincter. These alterations are diagnosed in the Otorhinolaryngology doctor’s office. The alterations of the passage of the food bolus through the esophagus and into the stomach are treated by the digestive specialist and are called Esophageal Dysphagia.
Which patients can suffer from Oropharyngeal Dysphagia?
Oropharyngeal dysphagia can affect patients of all ages, from newborn infants to the elderly. This is the case of infantile cerebral palsy or middle-aged people with sudden onset neurological diseases such as stroke or Ictus; or chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis or various myopathies. Another important group is made up of people with sequelae of surgery for brain tumors or tumors of the head and neck area and those who, due to an accident, have significant brain damage that prevents them from eating properly. Elderly people, due to the aging process, may also present swallowing problems.
What are the symptoms of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia?
Sometimes the symptoms are subtle and among them are: refusing certain types of food, taking a long time to eat or coughing with the ingestion of liquids. At other times, however, patients suffer significant choking and have real difficulty swallowing safely. They drool, even with their saliva, and are unable to handle a spoonful of mashed food in their mouth. In these cases, food is introduced directly into the stomach through a tube.
Consequences of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia
These alterations often lead the patient to malnutrition, which further deteriorates his general condition. On the other hand, swallowing disorders are responsible for food being diverted into the respiratory tree producing feverish peaks and aspiration pneumonias.
How is Oropharyngeal Dysphagia diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made through a detailed study of the swallowing process where the main test is the video-fluoroscopy of swallowing. This radiological test informs us in real time of all the alterations of the swallowing process, laying the foundations for a personalized treatment.
Is there a treatment for Oropharyngeal Dysphagia?
Oropharyngeal dysphagia is treated by means of facilitating techniques, swallowing maneuvers and various praxias or exercises. There is also neurostimulation through VitalStim System and surgical treatments on the larynx and upper esophageal sphincter.
It is important to keep in mind that the treatment that will lead us to success will be the one based on an accurate diagnosis that correctly identifies the alterations of the swallowing process.