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If you have a swallowing disorder,
you may have difficulty or pain
while swallowing. Some people
may be completely unable to swallow.
This makes it hard to eat, and
may lead to malnutrition.
Anyone can have a swallowing
disorder, but it is more likely
in the elderly.
Swallowing problems often
happen because of other medical
conditions, including:
- Nervous system disorders,
such as Parkinson's disease
and cerebral palsy
- Problems with your esophagus,
including acid reflux disease
(GERD)
- Stroke
- Head or spinal cord injury
- Cancer of the head, neck,
or esophagus
Medicines can help some people,
while others may need surgery.
Swallowing treatment with a speech-language
pathologist can help. You may
find it helpful to change your
diet or hold your head or neck
in a certain way when you eat.
In very serious cases, people
may need feeding tubes.
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