Hearing Aids Vs. Cochlear Implants: The Key Differences You Should Know

The ability to hear is one of the essential basic skills of life. It determines a person’s quality of relationships both in personal and professional lives.

Life can be tricky sometimes. Hearing loss or hard of hearing resulting from an accident or a health issue can turn one’s world upside down.

But they can find alternatives in hearing aids and cochlear implants, thanks to the advanced medical technologies in the ENT region.

This blog sheds light on both these alternatives along with the critical differences between them. Read along.

Hearing Aids: Here is What You Should Know

Hearing aids for children and adults are tiny electronic devices designed to amplify the sound coming into the ear.

Ideal for people with mild to moderate hearing loss that is majorly observed in children, the hearing aids consist of three major parts.

1. Microphone - Receive sound waves and converts them into electrical signals
2. Amplifier - Enhances or magnifies the electrical signals
3. Speaker - Turns the magnified signals into sound and sends them into the ear

The new type of more enhanced hearing aid is coming into the market every year with advancing technology.

Types of Hearing Aids

Different hearing aids feature different sound profiles that can be adjusted based on the outside environment.

Depending on the style of the aid, there are three types - behind the ear (BTE), completely in the ear canal, and receiver in the ear.

Cochlear Implants: Here is What You Should Know

The cochlea is a part of the inner ear responsible for transforming sound into a neural message that reaches the brain.

Those who have sensorineural hearing loss need artificial devices that play the role of the cochlea. The cochlear implants are surgically placed behind the ear, below the skin, connecting the cochlea and the implants via the electrodes.

The sound signals bypass the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve while causing the sensation of sound. The implants consist of three major parts.

1. Microphone - It picks up sound and sends it to the processor
2. Processer - Consists of a transmitter and receiver, it converts sound into electric impulses
3. Electrode Array - Collects the impulses and feeds the auditory nerve, which transmits the signals to the brain to process the sound

Cochlear implants are complicated in terms of structure and the way they function. People who have lost hearing due to diabetes, excessive sound exposure, and head injuries are qualified for these implants.

Bone Anchored Hearing System (BAHS): Another Potential Alternative

Apart from hearing aids and cochlear implants, BAHS is employed in the cases of people who have at least one fully functioning ear. It is a conductive hearing loss but occurred only in one ear.

Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants: The Key Differences

There are a few differences between these two hearing technologies, but they share the same purpose - enabling the individual to perceive sound better and restore their communication ability.

1. Structure: Hearing aids follow a simple mechanism and functionality, whereas cochlear implants are more advanced and complex.
2. Ease of use: Cochlear implants require surgery, and hearing aids are a simple fix. Hearing aids can be removed and fixed even by children with practice.
3. Suitability: Hearing aids are used for mild to moderate hearing loss because of their ability to amplify sound. Cochlear implants are best suited for people with severe hearing loss.
4. Improvement: Some testing results indicate that hearing aids enhance the person’s ability to hear and communicate by 50%. The same is the case with cochlear implants.
5. Adaptability: Hearing aids take two or less than two weeks for the child or adult to adapt. Cochlear implants take anywhere between 6 to 12 months. It is more than 12 months in some cases.
6. Risk: Hearings aids come with zero risk. Cochlear implants entertain low to moderate risk as it involves surgery.
7. Cost-effectiveness: The cost of hearing aids range from anywhere between 5000 to 50000 in India. However, cochlear implants in India can cost between 3 to 6 lakhs. The cost, again, depends on various factors, including levels of hearing loss, the city, and the surgeon.

Hearing aid selection is a critical process and involves the careful evaluation of various aspects of hearing loss. Consult your ENT specialist or book an appointment with the best ENT hospital near you for better assessment. 

If you still have questions about hearing aids and cochlear implants, we have collected and furnished a few of the most frequently asked questions below. Read on.

Is there an age limit for hearing aids and cochlear implants?

No, there is no age limit for both hearing loss treatments. However, cochlear implant treatment is ultimately your doctor’s call.

Which one is right for you - a hearing aid or cochlear implant? 

That is a question that could be answered only by a qualified ENT specialist or an otolaryngologist. Consult your doctor to make a better decision.

Vikram ENT is one of the best ENT hospitals in Coimbatore. Get world-class solutions for all your hearing-related issues. Book an appointment today.

Can vocal infections cause you from voice change? How to safeguard and maintain our vocal cords from getting affected?

Vocal infections are caused by lumps in the throat due to inflammation of vocal cords by viruses and bacteria. Yes, these infections certainly lead to changes in voice and vocal disorders. That is because the infected vocal cords are not able to vibrate normally thereby affecting the quality of the voice in terms of pitch, tone and volume. The risk factors of getting such infections increase with age, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, illnesses like cold, cough, thyroid problems and voice overuse.

Fortunately, vocal infections and disorders can be cured by making certain healthy lifestyle changes and treating the underlying condition through medical intervention, therapy or surgery. Vikram ENT Hospital, a leading specialty ENT hospital in Coimbatore, offers promising treatments for all kinds of ENT problems including voice disorders. This globally renowned ENT specialist centre is equipped with the latest medical technological tools and infrastructure and supported by the best ENT doctors in Coimbatore. It is known for handling multitudes of patients with an accurate diagnosis, precise treatment and excellent healthcare outcomes.

Let us now dwell deeper into the details of vocal infections and their prevention.

Symptoms of Vocal Infections

• Hoarse or raspy voice
• Inability to sing high notes
• Sudden deepening of the voice
• Strained or itchy throat
• Frequent clearing of the throat
• Difficulty in speaking

Causes of Vocal Infections

• Upper Respiratory Tract (URT) Infections including laryngitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis and strep throat
• Inflammation caused due to gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD)
• Misuse or straining of voice
• Throat cancer
• Abnormal growths like vocal cord cysts, vocal polyps and nodules
• Neurological diseases like vocal paralysis
• Psychological trauma
• Hyper nasal speech

Diagnosis and Treatment

The ENT specialist does a detailed evaluation of the problem and may conduct a physical examination of the vocal cords using instruments like a laryngoscope or video stroboscope. Sometimes, further tests like acoustic analysis and laryngeal electromyography may be needed.

The treatment roadmap depends on the cause of the vocal disorder. It may include-

• Lifestyle Changes - Resting the vocal cords periodically and drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dryness in the throat are some simple remedies to handle the problem. Smoking cessation is also highly advisable.
• Speech Therapy - Qualified speech pathologists can help patients in using their voice more effectively through speech or voice therapy. They also guide them on deep breathing techniques, the amount of hydration required and effective throat-clearing methodologies.
• Allergy Treatment - If the voice disruptions are occurring due to allergies caused by the creation of too much mucus in the throat, medications may be prescribed by allergy specialists to overcome the issue.
• Medications - Depending on the cause, medications may be given by ENT doctors for combating inflammation, infections, gastroesophageal problems or for preventing blood vessel regrowth.
• Surgical Interventions - In chronic cases, surgery may be needed for the removal of lesions on the vocal cords. Laser treatment is another state-of-art approach that is popular these days for removing these growths. Medicated injections may be given to decrease muscular spams and abnormal movements of the vocal muscles.

Tips to Safeguard and Protect Vocal Cords

• Remain well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Limit intake of caffeinated beverages and alcohol.
• Take vocal naps to give rest to the vocal cords.
• Use a humidifier at home.
• Avoid medications that cause dryness of the throat.
• Stop smoking.
• Reduce intake of highly spicy foods to prevent acidity, heartburn and GERD.
• Consume plenty of wholegrain foods, fresh vegetables and fruits. These are enriched with Vitamins A, E and C that help to keep the mucus membrane of the throat healthy.
• Maintain hand hygiene particularly if you are suffering from a cold or flu.
• Have a regular exercise regime.
• Take sufficient rest as physical exertion can hamper the voice.
• Avoid mouthwashes and gargles containing harmful chemicals.
• Use your voice wisely and do not strain it.
• Rest your voice completely when you are sick.
• Avoid using extreme vocal ranges like shouting and screaming.
• Practice healthy breathing techniques.
• Do not cradle the phone while speaking as it increases the muscular tension on the neck.
• Use microphones when appropriate.
• Avoid conversing in noisy zones.
• Consider taking voice therapy from professional therapists if required.

Thus, following a healthy lifestyle, avoiding voice misuse and seeking timely medical help can significantly prevent vocal infections. Please contact Vikram ENT Hospital, Coimbatore for more information.

The Key Differences Between Migraines and Headaches

According to the International Headache Society (Yes, it’s for real!), there are more than 150 types of headaches, and the World Health Organization identifies headaches as the third-highest reason we lose time to illness.

Half of the world’s adult population is suffering from some type of recurring headache. But headaches can occur in any age, gender, and geography.

So, What Exactly is a Headache?

A headache is a visible pain in your head and face, causing a throbbing, constant, sharp, or pulsating sensation that makes your daily tasks difficult.

Headaches can be treated with the help of medications and lifestyle adjustments that include mindfulness activities, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback.

Different Types of Headaches - Two Major Categories

Based on the reason, type, and duration, headaches have been grouped into two by the medical experts - primary and secondary.

Primary headaches occur on their own. There is no reason behind them, and they cause pain in the head. Migraine is a primary headache.

Secondary headaches occur as a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as sleep disorders, tumors in the head, stress, stroke, and so on.

Understanding the type of, at least the major headaches like migraines, helps you handle it better. Here is a quick look into the ways you can identify and differentiate migraines and common headaches.

The Key Differences between Migraines and Headaches

Migraine headaches are different from common headaches. Unlike the latter, migraine takes time before reaching the curve in terms of pain, occurs in episodes, and can last from hours to days.

Common headaches are more of just uneasy pain in the head or face that causes pressure and impacts the way you go about your day. They usually occur on both sides of the head and last for 30 minutes to a day.

The Causes of Migraine

Medical researchers believe that the changes in the blood flow in certain areas of the brain is the major reason behind migraines. The inadequate blood flow to the regions in the brain might lead to chemical reactions and swelling or irritation of the blood vessels.

The swelling and irritation can be repetitive which explains the throbbing or pulsating pain a migraine patient experiences.

The Causes of Regular Headaches

When you are experiencing a headache, you know the reason behind it. It can be a stressful day at work, an argument with a family member, and even overthinking can lead to muscle tension in the head.

You might feel pressure in your head and feel stressed. A hot cup of coffee or tea can alleviate this pain. If not, over-the-counter medicines should work.

The Symptoms of a Migraine

Migraines are an intense form of headaches. The symptoms include nausea, pain on one side of the head, visual disturbances, sensitivity to light and sound, confusion, speech difficulties, and vomiting.

What Triggers Migraines?

The trigger for migraine varies from person to person, just like its symptoms. The most common trigger factors for migraines include…

• Foods: Citrus fruits, peanut butter, dairy products, chocolate, coffee, and wine. Having said that, concrete medical evidence is yet to be established as to what makes these foods trigger in certain cases.
• Emotional Stress: Constant exposure to emotional distress can lead to migraines. This is the major reason behind migraines in adults.
• Changes in Chemical Composition in the Body: Pregnancy, menopause, hormonal imbalances, and even menstrual cycles can trigger migraines.
• Lifestyle Impact: Constant exposure to light, lack of sleep, dehydration, being hungry for an extended period can trigger migraines.

The other reasons include geographical changes, certain smells, and shocks. People should be aware of their triggers and take proper care to avoid them.

Triggers for Common Headaches

Tension or tightness in the neck or head muscles leads to headaches. And this tension is caused by stress or constant physical exhaustion.

Treatment for Migraines and Common Headaches

Upon determining the exact cause whether it is a migraine or a common headache, the treatment process for migraine starts with medications.

The doctor might suggest medicines that counteract the blood vessel inflammation or swelling in the brain and work to reduce it. Typically, the medication for migraine includes triptans which is a class of drugs.

For the common headaches, stress-relieving activities should help. If the headache is persistent, take over-the-counter medications.

The Conclusion

Migraine headaches can be mild to severe. Seek medical help if the episodes are intense. However, let your doctor conduct the diagnosis for migraine and determine it before you draw any conclusions.

Migraines respond well to the therapeutic intervention by a qualified specialist. Seek proper medical help if you suspect a migraine and reach out to internal medicine specialists or neurologists.

Everything you should know about your voice and vocal health

Taking good care of your vocal health and maintaining hygiene should be your everyday goal for better voice. You don’t have to be a singer or someone who speaks for a living to take care of your vocal health. Voice, in general, is a life-skill just like seeing, listening, and walking.

What is voice?

Voice is nothing but the vibration of vocal cords. When you are speaking, the vocal cords (or folds) snap together as the air from lungs pass through them. This whole process is orchestrated by the brain.

How is the voice produced?

The voice is produced when it passes through the two bands of muscle tissue that are situated opposite to each other. This is a smooth process that takes place in the larynx. Larynx is known as the sound box and located at the base of the tongue and just at the top of the trachea. The vibration produces sound that passes through the throat, nose, mouth, and lips.

Why does the voice sound different from person to person?

The quality of your voice is completely dependent on the size and shape of the vocal cords and the sound resonating cavities. They differ from person to person, making each voice’s pitch, tone, and volume sound different.

What are the reasons behind voice disorders?

Voice health issues occur when the vocal cords are inflamed, paralyzed or face development-related or growth issues. Here are a few common issues that lead to voice disorders.

• Respiratory issues - Hoarse or raspy voice are the common symptoms of upper respiratory issues such as common cold and cough.
• Inflammation - Inflammatory issues such as acid reflux or popularly known as GERD, can cause changes in voice by infecting the vocal cords.
• Laryngitis - People who are dependent on voice for a living such as singers, public speakers, customer service representatives, sales folks, and presenters often overuse their voice cords. This can lead to voice-related issues such as laryngitis.
• Growths on vocal folds - Growth issues such as recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a noncancerous condition that leads to voice issues.

In rare cases, voice issues can be triggered by larynx cancer, spasmodic dysphonia which is also known as vocal fold paralysis and psychological trauma. These conditions can lead to serious voice issues that include permanent voice loss hence need immediate and proper medical help.

What are the symptoms of voice disorders?

If your voice is not sounding the same for more than a week, consider consulting an ENT specialist for help. You might also observe the following symptoms. These symptoms may vary from person to person depending on the issue.

• You voice becomes hoarse and feel a lump in throat
• Voice sounds deeper and you might feel difficult to speak
• The throat feels achy, strained, or raw while speaking
• You will have strep throat and might have to clear throat repeatedly

Whom to consult when you suspect issues with your voice?

Do not come to any conclusions before consulting your ENT doctor. Most of the voice disorders mimic the symptoms of the other underlying conditions. If a speech disorder is identified, you might have to consult an otolaryngologist or the vocal specialist. The ENT specialist might refer you to a speech pathologist or speech-language specialist to improve the voice.

How to take good care of your voice?

Like any other health system, your voice demands a healthy lifestyle, exercise, and considerable care. Here are a few ways you can take better care of your voice.

• Healthy lifestyle - Following a healthy lifestyle is the first and foremost thing to do for a better overall health. For maintaining good vocal health, you need to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water especially when you are drinking coffee, beverages, or alcohol. Take vocal naps by being silent for a considerable time of the day and use humidifiers when it is cold or dry outside. And completely avoid smoking.
• Take a healthy diet - Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables especially the ones that contain vitamin A, C, and E. They help in protecting the mucus membrane and keep the throat healthy. Try to avoid extreme cold or hot drinks.
• Vocal exercises - Breathing exercises like meditation helps in keeping better posture and breathing - the two important components in better speaking.
• Give rest to your vocal cords - Give proper rest to your vocal cords. Talk only when it is necessary. Use vocal cords only in its range, and do not strain them much. When you are sick, try to avoid long sentences. Sickness puts extra pressure on your vocal folds.

Drinking plenty of water and breathing through your nose helps you have better posture and moisture when you are talking. This helps tremendously especially in the long run.

Voice is an important contributor to have a better quality of life. Always take good care of it by following the above tips. If you are feeling anything unusual with your voice, book an appointment at your nearest ENT hospital today.

Chronic Nosebleeds - Everything You Should Know

We all have that one friend whose nose tends to bleed even at the poke of a finger. As scary as the scene might appear, nosebleeds are common. They may occur in some children.

Nosebleeds can also indicate some serious underlying medical condition but this is very rare. If you are an adult and experiencing nosebleeds frequently, you should probably get screened.

Nosebleeds - What Exactly Happens?

Millions of blood vessels end at the base of your front and back of the nose. The ends of blood vessels are fragile and can bleed due to a small impact, stress, and even due to the dry air.

When the nosebleeds occur for a long time, the condition becomes chronic. Usually, this would be healed on its own with age. If the problem persists, book an appointment with your nearest ENT hospital for screening.

Types of Nosebleeds

Based on the region of the impact, there are two types of nosebleeds - anterior and posterior.

Anterior nosebleeds can occur when the blood vessels in the front base of the nose bleed.

Posterior occurs when the back of the nose bleeds. If the bleeding occurs more than 20 minutes, it could be due to the posterior nosebleed.

Causes of Nosebleeds

A nosebleed can be triggered for various reasons. Sudden, frequent, and infrequent nosebleeds might be due to the serious conditions.

• Cold and Nasal Allergies - Anterior nosebleeds can be triggered by a cold, frequent sneezing, nose blowing, allergies and coughing.
• Injuries - An impact, be it a punch or a fall, on the frontal nose region can lead to nosebleeds.
• Dryness - Dryness is the major cause behind most of the nosebleeds in children living in dry, and heated climates. This can dry out the nasal membranes leading to crusting inside the nose. This could lead to irritation which may cause bleeding.
• Nose Picking - Children tend to pick their nose frequently. If this happens when inside the nose is crusted, it can lead to bleeding.
• Foreign Objects - This is common in toddlers. If you observe a foreign object inside the nose and it starts bleeding, reach out to an ENT specialist at the earliest.

In some cases, deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, can also passively contribute to the nosebleeds.

Other reasons include high blood pressure, clots in the blood, excessive use of aspirin, and respiratory infection. However, these are commonly observed in adults.

The Right Time to Seek Medical Help

When a nosebleed occurs, following a few simple steps like sitting upright, tipping the head upwards, and catching the blood with a tissue or a damp cloth should stop the bleeding.

However, if the bleed doesn’t stop for more than 20 minutes, you should seek proper medical help, irrespective of the type of the bleeding.

Diagnosis for Nosebleeds

Your ENT doctor might perform a thorough physical examination to determine the cause primarily. 

Upon ruling out the presence of foreign objects, and injuries the doctor will inquire about the medical history and symptoms.

Based on the symptoms or the recent injuries, your doctor will plot out the diagnosis process that includes various tests.

Most likely the complete blood count, partial thromboplastin time, nasal endoscopy, and imaging tests like x-ray and CT scan.

Treatment for Nosebleeds

The doctor recommends a treatment course if the nosebleed is due to a medical condition or could recur. Here is a glimpse of the treatment course for anterior and posterior nosebleeds.

Anterior Nosebleed

The treatment for anterior nosebleed is more of a first-aid procedure. The bleeding could be stopped by closing the nostrils with a cold compress.

• The person needs to breathe through the mouth
• Should sit upright with head slightly tilted up
• Should not lie down as swallowing blood can irritate stomach
• Doctor’s advice is recommended if the bleeding does not stop after 20-30 minutes

Posterior Nosebleed

This type of nosebleeds are not common and often associated with serious consequences. Doctor’s help is needed immediately.

• Identify the type of bleed and seek medical help immediately
• These type of nosebleeds should not be treated with just first-aid procedures
• The nosebleed qualifies to be treated out of an emergency room (ER)

Nosebleeds - Prevention

Finding the root cause for the nosebleed makes it easy for the parents to take preventive actions.

• Start using a humidifier if your child’s bleeding occurs during hot or humid weather.
• Take care of your kid not to pick their nose and insert any foreign objects.
• Using sprays or gels that keep nasal passages moist would be helpful.

Visit Vikram ENT hospital in Coimbatore to find better solutions for all your nose, throat, and ear related medical issues. And, follow our blog for latest updates on ENT health issues and how to take care of them.

Allergies during the summer season: Causes and the preventive measures

Allergies occur during the winter and rainy season! Now, that is the popular belief. On the contrary, there are allergies that go hand in hand with summer. In fact hay-fever, one of the common allergies in summer, is named after hay-cutting that usually occurs in the summer season. And, most of the allergens that cause allergies in the winter and rainy seasons stay active even during the summer.

Knowing your triggers, refraining yourself from the exposure, and getting the appropriate medical help is the way to keep yourself away from the summer allergies. Stay with us until the end of the blog to know more about allergies that occur in the summer.

What causes allergies in the summer?

The clear sky and windy long days make people spend most of their time outdoors but it is full of allergens like pollen and mold. The typical summer days with high temperature, air pollution, and strong winds contribute to increased allergy cases. Here are a few causes that lead to allergies in summer.

1. Dust in the air: Summer is a dry season and the air will be full of dust causing dust allergy in many. The immunology and allergy specialists claim that summer allergies are as high as the fall or winter allergies. In addition, the increased carbon dioxide levels in the air strengthens pollen which is one of the common allergy triggers. Heat is also one of the contributing factors for increased pollen and mold in the air during summer.
2. Spike in temperature: Hot temperature and the humid air go hand in hand and make the perfect breeding ground for the mold, a fungus that causes allergies. At the same time, the protective mucus inside the nostrils gets drained due to the hot weather. And, the mucus-free nostrils become the perfect passages for people with allergies. The more the dry spells last during summer, the longer the allergies can disrupt the lives of many.
3. Air pollution: Be it the carbon dioxide from a motor vehicle or chemical spray or cigarette smoke, polluted air can trigger allergies. As the wind gets stronger mixed with heat, the air pollution can become worrisome. In addition, the longer days make it harder for people to get through the allergies.

What type of care and preventive measures can you follow?

It is essential for people diagnosed with allergies to practice all the preventive measures in summer that they strictly adhere to during the winter and monsoon seasons. Here are a few summer allergy tips that you could count on.

• Reduce your exposure to allergens by staying indoors, especially when it is too hot or windy outside.
• If you have a pet and you're taking him/her for a walk, ensure you wear a mask and give your pet a clean wipe down before walking indoors. This helps you get rid of the allergens stuck to your pet’s coat.
• Remove your shoes outside the door and clean your hands thoroughly before entering the house.
• Keep your windows shut if the weather is too hot or humid. If it is getting windy, do not open windows or doors.
• Use medically approved anti-bacterial washing powders while washing clothes. And, do remember that drying clothes attract all sorts of allergens. It is recommended to dry your clothes indoors.
• Change your bed sheets regularly and sanitize the entire room. Bugs, dust mites, and various other pollutants will cover up on the beds that are not changed properly.
• If you are planning to go outside, wear a quality mask. Knowing the wind and pollution levels in your locality helps you be prepared.
• Taking a shower right after you come back home and before going to bed helps you get rid of the triggers.
• Most importantly, know your medications and keep them always with you if you are stepping outside.

When to see the doctor?

If you have been diagnosed with a certain allergy condition and know you have been exposed to the allergen, take the prescribed medication. The allergy should go away eventually. If you are suffering from nasal congestion, difficulty in breathing, or inflammation in the nose and you do not know the reason, it is recommendable to visit an ENT specialist to get it diagnosed.

Dealing with chronic allergies can be difficult. Know your allergy and know what triggers it, and stay away from it.

Vikram ENT Hospital in Coimbatore houses the best ENT specialists who are experienced in dealing with allergies. If you are suffering from any allergy symptoms, visit the best ENT hospital in Coimbatore to find a relief.

Why does someone require a swallowing specialist?

Just like breathing, swallowing is an essential activity of life. On an average, an adult swallow somewhere between 500-700 times a day. And, this activity occurs even when you are sleeping. Difficulty in swallowing is not a condition but a symptom of many conditions.

Medically known as dysphagia, in most cases the difficulty in swallowing is not severe and goes away in a week or two.

However, in some cases it can be a symptom of a tumor or a disorder. Dysphagia is a condition that is mostly observed in seniors even though it can occur in any age group.

Weather changes, drinking cold water, having cold, or having certain foods excessively can cause mild difficulty in swallowing.

If the difficulty is not gone in a day or two, you might want to consider seeing an ENT specialist or an otolaryngologist.

Swallowing occurs in 4 related stages and the 1st stage takes place in the mouth in the form of preparation.

Swallowing is a complex mechanism and various organs are involved in it to make it a smooth passage for food or liquid you take in a day.

Here are the 4 stages involved in the swallowing process. The first and second stages need your effort but the third and fourth stages occur without you knowing them.

1. 1st Stage: Foods or liquids in the mouth are prepared and gathered together by the tongue to be swallowed.
2. 2nd Stage: The actual swallowing starts when the tongue pushes the gathered food or liquid at the back of the mouth. This is called oral stage.
3. 3rd Stage: This stage is known as the pharyngeal stage where the food or liquid enters the esophagus after passing through the pharynx.
4. 4th Stage: From the esophagus, the food or liquid is pushed into the stomach, completing the swallowing process. This is known as the esophageal stage.

Dysphagia: Causes

There can be many reasons for dysphagia as it is a symptom of many conditions such as swallowing disorders, lumps in the throat, strep throat, throat cancer, tonsillitis, and mouth ulcer.

Here are a few frequent causes behind this symptom.

Throat Infections: Overuse of voice, sore throat, tonsillitis, and infections such as cold or flu can cause dysphagia.

Weakness of Throat Muscles: Age-related weakness, scar of esophagus, and throat muscle weakness.

These are the common causes and, in some cases, the following conditions can cause difficulty in swallowing.

• Nerve Diseases: Nerve conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease, or stroke
• Cancerous Tumors: Throat cancer, lung cancer, and esophageal cancers

Besides, certain medications such as kinins, substance P, and prostaglandins (used for inflammation) can also cause dysphagia.

Typical Symptoms of Dysphagia

The primary symptom is difficulty in swallowing. Besides that, drooling, inability to move saliva, and food particles getting stuck in the throat or a feeling that they are stuck are a few symptoms.

In severe conditions, feeling the presence of lumps in the throat, developing infections in mouth, pneumonia, changed voice, and losing weight are observed.

The Role of ENT Specialists in Treating Swallowing Disorders:

ENT specialists are the designated specialists to see when you are feeling throat pain or difficulty in swallowing.

As swallowing difficulty is not a diagnosis but a symptom, your ENT specialist needs to work with other specialists such as speech language pathologists, neurologists, and gastroenterologists based on the diagnosis.

• During the treatment process, the ENT specialist will enquire about your recent medical history and might conduct a physical throat exam using laryngoscope.
• Flexible endoscopic evaluation (also known as FEES) is conducted to check the accuracy of throat muscular action.

Various tests and examinations are done before finding the root cause of the swallowing difficulty. The prognosis for swallowing in difficulty is purely based on the root cause.

The best way to find a chronic pain in swallowing is seeking treatment from the best ENT specialist in your locality. Besides the medications, follow the simple lifestyle changes below for better treatment outcomes.

• Make changes in the texture and size of food you swallow
• Follow the posture changes as suggested by your ENT doctor
• Follow yogic practices and exercises to strengthen your throat muscles