Posted by: Maryland ENT in General

Do you frequently cough or choke while swallowing food or drink? Do you often feel like food is stuck in your throat or chest?

If so, you may have a swallowing problem called dysphagia. But what causes dysphagia, and is it genetic?

Keep reading to learn more about whether swallowing problems are hereditary and the treatments available to help you.

What are Swallowing Problems?

Swallowing problems refer to the feeling of food or liquid being stuck in your throat. The medical term used to describe swallowing problems is dysphagia.

Any condition or disorder that affects the nerves or muscles that help you swallow can cause swallowing difficulties. Occasional swallowing problems aren’t a cause for concern.

However, persistent swallowing problems could be a sign of a medical condition that requires treatment. Sometimes, dysphagia can cause pain when swallowing, and in severe cases, you might not be able to safely swallow solids or liquids. 

Left untreated, recurring swallowing problems can cause weight loss, dehydration, upper respiratory infections, and aspiration pneumonia, an inflammation of your lungs.

What are the Signs of Swallowing Problems?

You may experience the following symptoms when you have difficulty swallowing:

  • Gagging or coughing when swallowing
  • An inability to swallow
  • Choking 
  • Frequent heartburn
  • Hoarseness 
  • Pain while swallowing 
  • Drooling 
  • Weight loss 
  • Regurgitation or food coming back up
  • Stomach acid or food backing up into the throat 
  • Feeling as though food is stuck in the throat, behind the breastbone, or chest

If you have signs of swallowing problems, you should schedule an appointment with your ENT specialist at Maryland ENT for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Are Swallowing Problems Hereditary?

Sometimes, swallowing problems can be hereditary, so if you have a family member with dysphagia, you may be more at risk for developing certain conditions. Genetic swallowing disorders and hereditary throat conditions may include:

Hereditary Ataxia

Hereditary ataxia is a group of disorders that lead to the progressive loss of muscle control. Those with ataxia usually have swallowing difficulties.

Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic conditions in which muscles become weak. Muscular dystrophies that can cause swallowing problems include:

  • Myotonic dystrophy (DM)
  • Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OCPMD)
  • Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD)

What Else Causes Swallowing Problems?

There are many other potential causes of swallowing problems. While anyone can develop dysphagia, it’s more likely to occur in older adults due to various factors such as a decrease in muscle mass, stiffer tendons, and cognitive impairments.

Dysphagia can also be caused by obstructions that narrow your throat or esophagus, the tube that carries food and liquid from your mouth to the stomach. These blockages may occur due to conditions such as: 

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD)

The backflow of stomach content into the esophagus, known as gastroesophageal reflux disorder, or GERD, can cause scar tissue and narrow the esophagus.

Infections

Infections of the esophagus that may lead to swallowing problems can include tuberculosis and fungal infections.

Cancers

Cancerous tumors in the esophagus, mouth, or throat could obstruct food and liquid and cause swallowing problems.

Radiotherapy Treatment

Radiotherapy treatment may cause scar tissue, leading to the narrowing of the esophagus.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a condition that occurs when too many white blood cells accumulate in the esophagus. The buildup can damage esophageal tissue and cause swallowing problems.

Neurological Conditions

Damage to your nervous system, which comprises the nerves, spinal cord, and brain, could interfere with the nerves that control swallowing, resulting in dysphagia. Neurological causes of swallowing difficulties include:

  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Stroke
  • Brain tumors
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Dementia
  • Motor neuron disease
  • Parkinson’s disease 
  • Genetic syndromes such as Rett syndrome and Down syndrome

Muscular Conditions

Some muscular conditions can affect the muscles that push food down, causing dysphagia. These may include:

Achalasia

Achalasia is a rare disorder that makes it difficult for the muscles in the esophagus to squeeze food and drink into the stomach. At the same time, the lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t relax and open to let food and drink into the stomach, leading to swallowing problems.

Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a rare condition that causes the body to produce tissues that are thicker than normal, resulting in the stiffening of the esophagus and throat muscles.

Pediatric Dysphagia

Pediatric dysphagia refers to swallowing problems in infants and children. Congenital and developmental conditions that can cause dysphagia include:

  • Low birth weight
  • Cleft palate and cleft lip
  • Vocal cord paralysis
  • Cerebral palsy

Children of all ages may experience swallowing problems. If your child has these symptoms, it’s crucial to have them tested for dysphagia without delay.

  • Drooling 
  • Gagging or choking
  • Coughing 
  • Eating slowly 
  • Trouble swallowing or sucking 
  • Weight loss 
  • Recurrent respiratory infections 
  • Arching of the body during feedings 
  • Limited intake of liquids or fluids
  • Vomiting or spitting up often
  • Chest congestion after drinking or eating 
  • Drinks or foods coming out of the nose after or during feeding 
  • The sensation of foods and liquids sticking in the throat 

How are Swallowing Problems Diagnosed?

If you frequently experience swallowing difficulties, it’s time to see your ENT specialist at Maryland ENT. At your appointment, they’ll ask about your symptoms and medical history.

They’ll also likely perform a physical exam and other specialized tests such as:

Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)

During FEES, your ENT specialist will pass a flexible endoscope with a light and camera through your nose. You’ll consume dyed foods and drinks to show your swallowing process on camera. 

Modified Barium Swallow (MBS)

This test involves performing a radiographic assessment of your swallowing function. Moving X-ray images are taken while you chew and swallow to record how your esophagus, throat, and mouth work.

How are Swallowing Problems Treated? 

Based on their findings, your ENT specialist will create an effective treatment plan depending on what’s causing your swallowing problems, and the severity of your condition. If you have GERD, your ENT specialist may prescribe medicines to control acid reflux.

When a neurological condition is the underlying cause of your swallowing difficulties, you may be given Botox injections to alleviate muscle spasms. Your ENT specialist may also suggest lifestyle changes, such as modifying your diet.

For instance, you might need to switch to softer foods that are easier to chew and swallow. They may also recommend physical therapy, which entails exercises to strengthen weak swallowing muscles.

Dysphagia Specialists

Our expert ENTs at Maryland ENT specialize in diagnosing and treating swallowing problems. Whether your dysphagia is hereditary or caused by other conditions, they can get to the bottom of your swallowing problems and provide a tailored treatment plan to restore your comfort and health.

Are you ready to get relief from swallowing problems and discover the root cause of your condition? Schedule your appointment at Maryland ENT in Baltimore, MD, today!