In the medical dictionary, dysphagia is the terminology used for the difficulty of swallowing. This symptom results from several causes - structural abnormalities, neurological problems, or dysfunctional muscles. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and can impact the quality of life by making eating and drinking challenging. Ayurveda aims at the root cause of the disease and gives good remedies against this symptom as well as improvement in swallowing functions.
There are complaints from patients regarding food or liquids being stuck in the throat or chest. These sensations may lead to apprehension during feeding. This feeling can occur with solids, liquids, or both and may be due to muscle weakness or obstruction in the esophagus.
This is odynophagia, the sensation of an ache or sharpness while swallowing. This could be because of inflammation or irritation of the esophagus, which might be linked to GERD or esophagitis. Pain can cause the fear of eating, hence leading to unintentional weight loss.
A regurgitation can be defined as the sensation of the food that has reversed its direction and moved back up the throat or, based on positioning, into one's mouth once the food was initially swallowed. It can be very embarrassing and uncomfortable. Regurgitation may be indicative of various underlying causes, including reflux disease or esophageal obstruction.
Several factors may contribute to the development of dysphagia:
Neurological Conditions: The neurological conditions include a stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis which may interfere with the nerve signals going on to control the swallowing process such that the muscles involved in the process become weaker, ailing them to ensure that food goes to the stomach.
Age: As it ages, its muscle strength and coordination, among other aspects, are naturally deteriorating. Therefore, individuals with old age will also have some conditions, including dementia, that will make swallowing complicated.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): The cases often lead to acid reflux in the patients, resulting in chronic inflammation of the esophagus, which is sore and sometimes a feeling that food cannot move down. This over time causes some structural changes in the esophagus that may affect dysphagia.
Structural Abnormalities: The esophagus is narrowed by structures, tumours, or an enlarged thyroid, preventing the passage of food. These anomalies result from chronic inflammation, cancer, or other diseases.
Ayurveda primarily focuses on rebalancing the three doshas -Vata, Pitta, and Kapha- while also promoting ideal digestive health and function. Ayurvedic medicine often utilizes treatments such as herbal remedies, detox therapies, and lifestyle modifications to treat dysphagia and overall well-being.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale): High in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, this herb is also used to reduce irritation and discomfort in the throat when swallowing. The process of digestion is also stimulated through the herb; therefore, nausea that might be associated with swallowing difficulties could be relieved. Its warming effects increase blood flow in the digestive tract, thus making it easier to swallow.
Triphala: This Ayurvedic preparation consists of three fruits: Amalaki or Indian gooseberry, Bibhitaki or Terminalia bellirica, and Haritaki or Terminalia chebula. Triphala promotes healthy digestive system functioning as it helps in regular bowel movements and also detoxifies the body. It has anti-inflammatory effects as well that can be effective in the dissipation of swellings in the throat and esophagus, hence making swallowing easier. Also, its mild laxative feature helps to maintain the balance in one's digestive health.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): This is used for its softening action. As a demulcent, it forms a protective layer and smooths the throat, thus making it easier to swallow. It hydrates the throat as well as the digestive tract, which hence makes one swallow easily. It is also an anti-inflammatory agent and hence is good for people who experience irritation in the throat.
Virechana (Purgation Therapy): A purification therapy helping cleanse the body of excessive Pitta that inflames and troubles the gut. Because it balances the digestive fire (Agni), patients who are suffering from swelling and difficulty in swallowing due to inflammatory disease are relieved by this treatment. This treatment utilises herbal concoctions which purges toxins and improves digestive health.
Nasya (Nasal Therapy): In nasal therapy, herbal oils or powders are injected into the nostrils. This treatment is supposed to decrease inflammation and improve overall conditions of throat and respiratory health. Nasya would help with relief from nasal congestion, which could be a minor cause of dysphagia. The oils used in Nasya treatment can heal the throat and make swallowing an easier process.
Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Abhyanga is a therapeutic oil massage and is quite effective for patients suffering from dysphagia. Gentle massage in the neck and throat area helps to increase blood circulation, relaxes muscles of swallowing, and reduces tension. Abhyanga has been known to bring relaxation, facilitating one to swallow and digest food.
Dietary and lifestyle changes also play a key role in maintaining dysphagia. The following diets are followed:
Warm Soups and Broths: This is easier to swallow and allows for hydration.
Soft, Easily Digestible Foods: Foods such as mashed potatoes, smoothies, and pureed vegetables can ease swallowing.
Herbs and Spices: Incorporating ginger, turmeric, and fennel can enhance digestion and alleviate discomfort.
Hard, Crunchy Foods: These types of foodstuffs can create a risk of choking and are hard to swallow.
Spicy and Acidic Foods: Foods that irritate the throat should be avoided as well.
Dry Foods: Dryness in the mouth is only going to make the act of swallowing much harder.
Certain exercises and yoga postures can aid in improving swallowing and overall digestive health. Some beneficial practices include:
Neck and Jaw Exercises: Neck and jaw exercises include gentle stretching and movement exercises for the neck and jaw to strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing. Simple exercises, like opening and closing the mouth, moving the jaw side to side, or gently tilting the head, can enhance muscle coordination and function.
Pranayama (Breathing Exercises): Techniques such as Alternate Nostril Breathing (Anulom Vilom) may increase oxygen flow into the body, release relaxation responses, and also improve overall digestive health. Such exercise is calming of the nervous system and can reduce the anxiety caused when one develops difficulty swallowing.
Gentle Yoga Poses: Gentle stretches stimulate digestion and further coordinate the muscles in the throat while holding poses like Cat-Cow. There are gentle stretches involving the region of the throat that promote blood supply to enhance muscle flexibility, which works towards an effective mechanism of swallowing.
Dysphagia treatments at Jiva Ayurveda address complete proper remedies to treat the condition. Our treatment strategy includes herbs that have been in use for centuries, detox therapies from Panchakarma, and lifestyle modification that facilitates easy swallowing and maintains intestinal health. Experience the refreshing effects of Ayurveda and improvement in your well-being. Book an appointment today and take the first step toward better health!
Management involves dietary modifications, herbal remedies, and therapies to improve swallowing. Staying hydrated and avoiding foods that irritate the throat are crucial in prevention.
Ayurvedic treatment focuses on holistic healing and addressing the root cause of dysphagia, whereas conventional treatment often focuses on symptom management through medications and therapies.
The 4 stages of dysphagia include:
Stage 1: Pureed foods.
Stage 2: Soft foods.
Stage 3: Regular texture foods that are easy to chew.
Stage 4: Normal foods, requiring more chewing and coordination.
With appropriate treatment and lifestyle adjustments, dysphagia can often be effectively managed and improved, though some underlying conditions may require ongoing care.
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, patient history, and imaging studies like a barium swallow test or endoscopy to assess the swallowing mechanism and identify any obstructions.
A dysphagia care plan typically includes dietary adjustments, specific swallowing exercises, and regular monitoring by healthcare professionals to ensure safe eating practices.
Dysphagia treatment exercises often involve muscle strengthening techniques for the throat and tongue, as well as swallowing practice to improve coordination and safety during eating.
