Difficulty Swallowing in Baton Rouge, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is difficulty swallowing?
Trouble swallowing happens if you have a problem passing food and liquids from your throat, through your food pipe, and into your stomach. Problems swallowing may be a sign of many concerns, from esophageal contractions to allergic food reactions. It is important to pinpoint the reason for the difficulty so the right treatment to be provided — the wrong treatment could cause a severe issue. To learn more about the therapy options available for difficulty swallowing in Baton Rouge, LA, contact our GI physicians at Gastroenterology Associates to request an appointment.
What causes trouble swallowing?
There is not one specific cause for difficulty swallowing. When you experience difficulty passing food through your esophagus, it might be a result of an existing condition that has gone undiagnosed, a food allergy, or swelling in your food pipe. Here are a few explanations for why difficulty moving food through your esophagus could be happening:
- Nervous system conditions
- Achalasia (a disorder that occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter doesn't work properly)
- Esophageal rings (folds of tissue that block the inside of the esophagus)
- Foreign bodies in the throat or esophagus
- Thyroid conditions
- Muscle spasms
- Scars from acid reflux
Swallowing trouble could impact those of all ages, although it is more common in the elderly.
What are the indicators of difficulty swallowing?
Having a hard time swallowing may signify a number of conditions. When experiencing dysphagia, it is crucial to obtain medical care as soon as you can so you can breathe and eat safely. Some of the primary symptoms of trouble swallowing are issues like:
- Pain in the esophagus when swallowing
- Frequent heartburn
- Hoarseness
- Not having the ability to swallow
- Food coming back up into your throat
- Trouble breathing
- A sensation of food in your esophagus
If you experience any of these symptoms, reach out to your nearest Gastroenterology Associates gastroenterologist in Baton Rouge, LA. It is vital to speak with a GI specialist if weight loss or vomiting happens along with your swallowing difficulties.
What are the treatments for dysphagia?
The way to treat trouble swallowing begins with pinpointing the reason for the difficulty. If the cause is food allergies, the right measures will be taken to reduce inflammation, and we will recommend that you avoid consuming the item. In the event of swelling of the lining of the esophagus, your physician will work to diagnose the root cause, discovering whether it is associated with a bacterial or viral infection (inflammation of the esophagus) or is due to acid reflux. For individuals with muscle contractions in the throat, our doctors often recommend taking medicine to relax the muscles or a surgical procedure. Let the GI physicians at Gastroenterology Associates work with you to recover your ability to swallow.
Relief you can feel
In the case that you've experienced problems with swallowing and are seeking a skilled gastroenterologist to help you handle the issue, reach out to the GI physicians at Gastroenterology Associates. The team will appropriately pinpoint the cause and select a therapy that suits your needs. Please do not hesitate to schedule a visit, as difficulty swallowing might bring about a bigger problem that requires prompt care. If you need treatment for difficulty swallowing in Baton Rouge, LA, request an appointment today at your nearest location to obtain the relief you can feel.
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