Symptom 8. Difficulty Swallowing: A Less Common Yet Important Sign of Amyloidosis
The act of swallowing is something we often take for granted. Every sip of water, every bite of food, effortlessly travels from our mouth to our stomach, an unnoticed dance of perfectly coordinated muscle movements. However, when this process goes awry, the effects are immediately felt. Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, is such a disturbance. While not as common as some of the other symptoms, it is an important early sign of amyloidosis that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Amyloidosis can affect any organ system, including the muscular tube that connects your throat and stomach – the esophagus. When amyloid proteins accumulate in the muscular layers of the esophagus, they can disrupt its normal function, leading to dysphagia. In essence, these protein deposits can make the esophagus less flexible and responsive, causing issues with swallowing.
Dysphagia related to amyloidosis can present in a variety of ways. Some people may experience a sensation of food getting stuck in their throat or chest. Others might have difficulty starting the swallowing process, or they may feel pain when swallowing. Unexplained coughing or choking during meals can also be a sign of swallowing problems. (8)
