Swallowing is a daily activity that we typically do automatically, so it can be unnerving when it doesn’t happen as it should. Though we might not give it much thought, swallowing involves around 50 pairs of muscles and nerves. If there are issues with this process, our team at Raleigh Capitol Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy can help it get back on track, so it stops causing discomfort.
How Do We Swallow?
When we swallow, the muscles that control the mouth, back of the throat and the esophagus all move. The process consists of four stages.
- Stage 1: Oral preparation stage. Food is chewed to prepare for swallowing.
- Stage 2: Oral stage. The tongue pushes food or liquid to the back of the mouth.
- Stage 3: Pharyngeal stage. Food or liquid passes through the pharynx into the esophagus.
- Stage 4: Esophageal stage. Food or liquid passes through the esophagus and enters the stomach.
What Are Symptoms of a Swallowing Disorder?
- Painful swallowing or an inability to swallow
- Feeling that food is getting stuck in your throat or chest
- Gagging when swallowing
- Regurgitation
- Heartburn
- Drooling
What Are the Types of Swallowing Disorders?
Swallowing disorders fall into two categories.
Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing and includes any discoordination from the throat that results in coughing or choking while swallowing.
Odynophagia refers to pain in the chest or throat while swallowing.
How Are Swallowing Disorders Diagnosed?
If you think you’re experiencing a swallowing disorder, our ENT is here to help. During your appointment, they’ll perform a physical exam and discuss your symptoms with you. You may want to make a list of symptoms and which foods trigger them to share with your doctor.
We can perform an initial evaluation of your throat, including endoscopy of the upper throat, and work with trusted G.I. referral partners if your symptoms require additional testing or treatment. Additional diagnostic procedures may include inspection of the stomach and esophagus, throat muscle strength testing or acid reflux testing.