Symptom 8: Dysphagia: Trouble in Swallowing
One early symptom of ALS that people might overlook is dysphagia, or difficulty in swallowing. Initially, it may manifest as a slight struggle when swallowing certain types of food or feeling as if something is stuck in your throat.
Swallowing is a complex action that requires a host of muscles to work in concert. In ALS, the neurons controlling these muscles could be among the first affected. You might start to notice an uncomfortable sensation when swallowing, or that you need to chew food more thoroughly.
These changes in swallowing might seem trivial at first, and it’s easy to attribute them to a temporary issue like a sore throat. However, if the difficulty persists or worsens, it could be an early sign of ALS. Pay attention to whether you’re consistently having trouble swallowing or if you’ve started to modify your eating habits as a result.
As ALS progresses, dysphagia can become more severe, potentially leading to weight loss and malnutrition. Early recognition of this symptom can allow for appropriate interventions, such as dietary modifications or swallowing therapies, to ensure adequate nutrition is maintained. (8)
