How Does Multiple Sclerosis Affect Swallowing?

MS It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that impedes the flow of messages between the brain and the body. MS has many common symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, and altered speech.

Another symptom of MS Dysphagia, This is a complex process involving more than 50 muscles and nerves. This disorder, also known as dysphagia, can be caused by any condition that interferes with the muscles and nerves needed to swallow, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.

It is very common for people with MS.Much the same as the 1/3 person Get a diagnosis of these swallowing-related symptoms. This includes weakening the muscles of the tongue and cheeks, making it difficult to move food in the mouth due to chewing.

Swallowing problems are common in the late stages of MS, but can occur at any time. Like many common multiple sclerosis symptoms, dysphagia can improve over time, Flare up..

Difficulty in drinking water, such as choking and coughing, is one of the first signs of dysphagia.

other Symptoms The rate of dysphagia ranges from mild to severe. In addition to dysphagia, people with dysphagia in MS may have:

• Thirst
• Weak tongue muscle
• Loss of some tongue movement
• Slowly unadjusted chew
• Delayed trigger of gulp reflex
• Numbness in the mouth and throat
• Frequent throat clearing
• Feeling like food is stuck in your throat
• Coughing and choking sensation when eating and drinking
• Unable to control drool and drool

For people with multiple sclerosis who have swallowing problems Linked For problems with the nerves of the brain (cranial nerves) Paresis), Brainstem problems, or other cognitive dysfunction.

In addition, people with MS may have Nerve injury It causes numbness in their mouth and throat. MS can weaken spontaneous and involuntary muscles that help swallowing.

If you have MS, there are certain risk factors that generally make dysphagia more common:

• Nerve problems. People with multiple sclerosis who have nerve problems in the brain and are causing motor problems Probability is high I have dysphagia.
• aging. If you have MS for a long time, you are more likely to have dysphagia.According to this elderly person, the elderly person may also be more likely to suffer from dysphagia. 2009 study..
• medicine. Some medications prescribed to manage the symptoms of multiple sclerosis can also cause dry mouth and exacerbate the symptoms of dysphagia.
• Eating and drinking problems. People with multiple sclerosis can face challenges when eating food and drinking liquids. Eating dry or brittle foods, or not drinking enough water or other liquids to rehydrate can exacerbate the symptoms of dysphagia.

With multiple sclerosis, the risk of choking is high and dysphagia can be more serious. desireBecause liquids and food can get into the airways and lungs.

This is a great danger as it can cause other health problems such as pneumonia.Dysphagia can cause other complications such as: malnutrition When dehydration..

There are several methods doctors can use to identify and treat dysphagia in people with multiple sclerosis.

• Your doctor may feed or drink something to observe your symptoms.
• You may need to fill out a specific questionnaire and take a clinical scan test such as: Barium swallow.. This imaging procedure is used to examine the muscles and nerves used to eat and drink.
• With the help of a scan, doctors can identify which muscles are interfering with their ability to chew or swallow.
• If you have dysphagia, your doctor may also recommend that you contact Language pathologist.. A speech therapist can recommend exercises that help improve dysphagia if you have dysphagia.
• Changing meals and preparing meals can help you eat and drink. These include adding thickeners to the food to make it easier to swallow.
• Doctors may use the following medicines Botulinum injectionTo help treat some people who are having trouble swallowing food. In severe cases, feeding tubes or surgery may be needed to help with symptoms and complications of dysphagia.

If you have multiple sclerosis and have difficulty swallowing, drinking or chewing, tell your doctor right away. Early treatment and management are important to prevent complications.

The medical team can help determine the optimal treatment, treatment, exercise, and dietary changes to optimally manage dysphagia.

Dysphagia, or dysphagia, can occur in some people with multiple sclerosis and other symptoms that affect nerves and muscles. It is sometimes a serious problem and can cause complications.

If you have dysphagia, there are treatment options and resources to help you deal with this condition.