Symptom 4: Difficulty Swallowing
When most of us think about eating, the act of swallowing is a mere footnote, an automatic reflex. However, difficulty in swallowing, known as dysphagia, can turn this simple act into a daunting task. Within the scope of gastric volvulus, this isn’t just a minor hitch – it’s a warning sign of more significant underlying disruptions.
Gastric volvulus, with its characteristic twist of the stomach, can affect the esophagus’s lower end. As this twisting ensues, the esophagus, which channels food to the stomach, can be constricted. This makes the passage of food challenging, leading to a sensation of food being ‘stuck’ or not going down smoothly.
It’s not merely the act of swallowing that becomes problematic. With food not transiting smoothly, there’s an increased risk of choking or aspirating food into the lungs. Over time, this can lead to weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and even respiratory complications if not managed. (4)
