Difficulty Swallowing? Don't Ignore This Common Symptom

What Long Island Residents Need to Know About Dysphagia

Most people don't think about swallowing until it becomes difficult. Meals begin to take longer, certain foods become harder to eat, and an extra sip of water with every bite becomes routine. Because these changes often develop gradually, many people assume they are simply part of getting older.

They aren't.

Difficulty swallowing, known medically as dysphagia, is not a normal part of aging. While it may be caused by something relatively common, such as acid reflux, it can also be an early warning sign of a medical condition that requires evaluation. The sooner the cause is identified, the sooner appropriate treatment can begin.

Recognizing the Signs

Swallowing is a remarkably complex process involving dozens of muscles and nerves working together. When that coordination is disrupted, symptoms may appear gradually or suddenly.

Common signs of dysphagia include:

• Food feeling like it gets stuck in your throat or chest
• Coughing or choking while eating or drinking
• Frequent throat clearing during meals
• Pain when swallowing
• A persistent sensation of a lump in the throat
• A hoarse or "wet-sounding" voice after eating
• Needing extra water to help food go down

Many people adapt to these symptoms without realizing they may be experiencing a treatable medical condition.

What Causes Difficulty Swallowing?

Dysphagia is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Several different conditions can interfere with normal swallowing.

One of the most common causes we see is laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), often called silent reflux. Unlike traditional acid reflux, LPR frequently affects the throat rather than causing heartburn. Chronic irritation and inflammation can make swallowing uncomfortable and create the sensation that something is stuck.

Other possible causes include:

• Narrowing of the esophagus
• Structural abnormalities of the throat
• Neurological disorders such as stroke or Parkinson's disease
• Muscle disorders affecting swallowing
• Benign or, less commonly, malignant growths

Because treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is essential.

Why You Shouldn't Ignore Dysphagia

Many people simply learn to live with swallowing difficulties. Unfortunately, untreated dysphagia can increase the risk of aspiration, which occurs when food or liquid enters the airway instead of the esophagus.

Aspiration can lead to repeated choking episodes, chronic coughing, recurrent respiratory infections, and even aspiration pneumonia. Early diagnosis not only improves quality of life but can also help prevent these potentially serious complications.

A Collaborative Approach to Swallowing Care

At South Shore Clinic, patients benefit from a team approach to diagnosing and treating swallowing disorders.

As an ENT physician, I evaluate the medical causes of dysphagia, identify structural abnormalities of the throat, and determine whether medication, additional testing, or surgical treatment may be necessary.

Working alongside me is Gail Meyrowitz, M.A., CCC-SLP, an experienced speech-language pathologist who specializes in swallowing disorders. Gail performs comprehensive swallowing evaluations, provides individualized swallowing therapy, and works closely with me to develop personalized treatment plans based on each patient's specific diagnosis.

One of the most valuable diagnostic tools we use is the Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). This comfortable, office-based examination allows us to observe the swallowing process in real time using a small flexible camera, helping identify exactly where swallowing is breaking down and whether food or liquid is entering the airway.

By combining advanced diagnostic technology with the expertise of both an ENT physician and a speech-language pathologist, we can accurately diagnose swallowing disorders and recommend the most appropriate treatment for each patient.

Take the First Step Toward Safer Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing should never be dismissed as something you simply have to live with.

If you or someone you love is experiencing food getting stuck, coughing while eating, or persistent swallowing difficulties, scheduling an evaluation can provide answers and peace of mind.

At South Shore Clinic in Rockville Centre, Roger Horioglu, MD, and Gail Meyrowitz, M.A., CCC-SLP, work together to help patients throughout Long Island identify the cause of swallowing disorders and develop individualized treatment plans that restore safer, more comfortable swallowing.