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.

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