Health Tip: When It's Difficult to Swallow

(HealthDay News) -- Dysphagia is the medical term for having difficulty swallowing.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this list of potential causes:

  • Gulping your food too fast or taking big bites.
  • Having insufficient water with food.
  • Eating while you lie down.
  • Having an injury or disorder affecting the muscles and nerves, such as a stroke, Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.
  • Having damage to the esophagus, such as scar tissue from acid reflux.
  • Having health problems that apply pressure to the esophagus, such as an enlarged heart or thyroid.

    • Date Published: 07/01/2010

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