What Causes Swallowing Problems?
Interruptions in this process can cause difficulty in swallowing, or dysphagia. A number of conditions may cause dysphagia, including mechanical obstruction (such as by a tumor or stricture), a motility disorder, impairment of the upper or lower esophageal sphincter, and others. Dysphagia is common among all age groups, but is especially common among the elderly. Dysphagia occurs after strokes and after many surgeries of the head and neck organs. Swallowing problems may arise from simple causes such as poor teeth, ill fitting dentures, or a common cold. One of the most common causes of dysphagia is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when stomach acid moves up the esophagus to the pharynx, causing discomfort. Other causes may include stroke or progressive neurological disorders, which may impair sensitivity, muscular coordination, or render individuals unable to control or move the tongue. The presence of a tracheostomy tube, vocal cord paralysis, tumors in the mouth,
