Dysphagia Assignment

According to the case study, the patient presents with symptoms such as difficulty in swallowing solid food, feeling of stuck food in the supraclavicular notch, self-inducing vomiting, intake of water relieves the symptoms, reports fever and cough ongoing and symptoms have worsened compared to five years ago. This leads to dysphagia being the likely diagnosis. Dysphagia can be classified as either oropharyngeal or esophageal. Oropharyngeal dysphagia is defined to be painful swallowing originating from the oropharyngeal area which involves the back of the throat, palatine tonsils, and soft palate (Brodsky et al., 2020). Esophageal dysphagia originates from the esophagus which is a tube consisting of muscles connecting the throat and stomach. Dysphagia refers to when individual struggles to swallow solid or liquid food due to pain. The most common causes of dysphagia are acid reflux conditions whereby the esophagus is narrowed, ulcer, and in rare cases cancer leading to painful swallowing (Fong, Ward and Rumbach, 2020). Eosinophilic esophagitis is caused by allergens resulting in inflammation in the throat., majorly caused by food allergy. Neurologic disorders that affect nerves involved in process of swallowing can also result from brain damage and throat muscles may be weak. Achalasia is another common cause of dysphagia which is a condition that affects esophageal muscles, and the patient can stay for years without seeking medical attention.

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Pathophysiology of the disorder

Taking food down to the stomach after chewing is a complex process and there can be some obstructions in the oropharynx or esophageal such as fibrosis, congenital disorders, or neurologic disorders. Respiratory complications can contribute to dysphagia affecting the quality of life.

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Risk Factors

Aging is a major risk to dysphagia due to the wearing of muscles, nerves, and tissues around the throat region. Diseases such as Parkinson’s disease can lead to difficulty swallowing. Conditions affecting nerves can affect coordination in the neck region. Smoking tobacco can damage the esophageal due to nicotine which injures the throat tissues. Obesity can contribute to dysphagia due to the accumulation of fat deposits around the neck.

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Lifestyle changes that could make difference for the patient

The patient should quit smoking or reduce the number of cigarettes intake per day, also reduce alcohol intake since the chemicals injure the throat tissues then muscles. Physical exercises are important for the obese to cut down on calories or fat deposits in the body. Avoid taking hot liquids as they are abrasive to the esophageal tissues. The patient should also avoid intake of spices and take food in small quantities to prevent choking. Avoid sticky food or substances such as peanut butter. In conclusion, lifestyle modification revolves around dietary habits.

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Public Health Approaches in reducing and Preventing the Health Condition

Health educating the public on lifestyle modification to prevent conditions related to swallowing problems. Public Health authorities may offer free medical camps for screening on conditions related to difficulty in swallowing for the aging group (Brodsky et al,.2020). At some point swallowing problems cannot be prevented if the nerves are affected but to preventable risks such as eating slowly and chewing well food. Early recognition of the conditions affecting swallowing is crucial such as GERD.