call 210-696-4327
Walter M Bain, MD
Otolaryngologist

Dysphagia

People with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing and may experience pain while swallowing. Some people may be completely unable to swallow or may have trouble safely swallowing liquids, food or saliva. When that happens, eating becomes a challenge. Often, dysphagia makes it difficult to take in enough calories and fluids to nourish the body and can lead to additional serious medical problems.
 
Swallowing is a complex process involving about 50 pairs of muscles and many nerves. These muscles and nerves work to receive food into the mouth, prepare it and move it from the mouth into the stomach.
 
Dysphagia occurs when there is a problem with the neural control or the structures involved in any part of the swallowing process. Diseases such as cerebral palsy or Parkinson's can affect swallowing as well as strokes or head injuries. Abnormalities of the swallowing mechanisms, such as cleft palate complicate the process. LPR and GERD can also cause painful swallowing.
 
Treatments vary depending on the cause of the dysphagia. Swallowing rehabilitation strategies can be used in some cases. If a patient is unable to swallow safely despite rehabilitation strategies, medical or surgical intervention may be necessary.
 
 
Need an ENT in San Antonio? We can help.
Explore your options with Walter M Bain, MD

Dr. Walter M. Bain and staff welcome you and thank you for choosing us as your San Antonio health care provider.  Dr. Bain is a Board Certified Otolaryngologist (also known as an ENT or Ears, Nose, and Throat specialist) in private practice in San Antonio since 1981.

Call us today at 210-696-HEAR (4327).

Meet Dr. Bain | Tips for New Patients | Visit the Office

 

Contact Us

Name*

Phone*

E-mail Address

Message

 

As a matter of policy we do not answer medical questions over the Internet or by e-Mail.†

Please visit The Ear
Institute of Texas
for new patient forms.
b_pdfforms.gif
Please visit The Ear
Institute of Texas
for new patient forms.