Dysphagia Treatment in Downers Grove, IL

Difficulty Swallowing

Swallowing is so simple to a majority of people. However, an estimated 15 million people in the United States suffer from Dysphagia, or trouble swallowing.

At Digestive Health Services, our board-certified gastroenterologists specialize in providing comprehensive treatment for patients having difficulty swallowing in Downers Grove, IL. They will take the time to provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis to help determine the best treatment option for you. For more information, contact our office at 630-434-9312 and schedule an appointment.

What are the Kinds of Dysphagia?

There are two kinds of Dysphagia:

• Esophageal Dysphagia – Esophageal dysphagia is caused by the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach, being damaged. Common symptoms of esophageal dysphagia include:
  • Weight loss
  • Lack of interest in food
  • Pain in the chest after swallowing
  • Excessive coughing in the middle of the night
  • Nausea after swallowing
• Oropharyngeal Dysphagia – Oropharyngeal dysphagia is caused by an abnormality affecting the throat or mouth. Symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia include:
  • Taking a long time to chew food
  • Getting food stuck in the throat often
  • Drooling
  • Weight loss
  • Lack of interest in food
  • Difficulty breathing while eating
  • Frequent coughing while eating

Treatment Options for Dysphagia

Treatment options for dysphagia depend greatly on the type of dysphagia you are suffering from and what is causing the dysphagia. Common treatment options for dysphagia include:

• Exercises for swallowing muscles. These often include retraining muscles to work together to help you swallow.
• Changing your diet. Your gastroenterologist may give you specific foods you are able to eat that make swallowing easier.
• Medicines. If your dysphagia is related to GERD or heartburn, your gastroenterologist may prescribe medication to help prevent stomach acid from entering the esophagus.