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Difficulty Swallowing Food? 5 Serious Causes You Shouldn't Ignore

Dysphagia is when a person finds it difficult to swallow food. It can be because of any of the following reasons. Read on to know more.

Written by Arushi Bidhuri | Updated : August 17, 2021 1:01 PM IST

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Trouble Swallowing Food?

Are you having trouble swallowing food? A person finding it difficult to swallow is referred to suffer from dysphagia – passing food or liquid from your mouth to your stomach. Some of the common signs and symptoms of dysphagia include feeling a lump in your throat, irritation in the throat, sensation that something is trapped in your throat, requiring swallowing several times to pass food, experiencing soreness in your throat or chest when swallowing and a horse voice.

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Neurological Issues

Damaged or malfunctioning nerves might cause swallowing problems since nerves play such an important part in swallowing. People who have had a stroke or who have neurological disorders that are progressing may have difficulty swallowing.

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Thyroid

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland that is part of the endocrine system. Thyroid issues that cause it to enlarge may cause difficulty swallowing because of its placement near the base of your neck. The disease can be divided into two parts: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, so better consult a doctor if you continue to have a continuous problem in swallowing.  Also Read - World Glaucoma Day 2026: What is Polyhexamethylene Biguanide? Experts warn this eyedrop preservative may harm the ocular surface

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Throat Tumor

Food might be difficult to move from your mouth to your stomach if you have a tumour developing in your throat. You may feel as though something is trapped in your throat, and swallowing may be painful. Other than difficulty swallowing, signs and symptoms of throat cancer include changes in your voice, ear pain, a lump or sore that doesn’t heal, and involuntary weight loss. Consult your doctor if you notice any of these signs, especially if they are persistent.

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Heartburn

Heartburn is an unpleasant sensation that happens when stomach acid rises to places it shouldn't be, such as the oesophagus and mouth. A burning feeling spreads across the chest because of the acid. Many people have heartburn because of being irritated by certain foods or beverages. The acid typically comes out more easily if they lie down just after eating.