Symptom 12. The Hard to Swallow Truth: Difficulty Swallowing
For some people with cirrhosis, eating can become a challenge. Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, might present itself. While dysphagia can be associated with a number of conditions, it can also be a symptom of advanced cirrhosis.
The liver’s role in digestion is crucial. It produces bile, aiding in the digestion of fats and absorption of essential vitamins. When cirrhosis damages the liver, digestive processes can be impacted, leading to issues like dysphagia.
Dysphagia might begin as a feeling of food being stuck in the throat or chest. Over time, it can progress to the point where swallowing becomes painful or nearly impossible. This can severely impact nutritional intake and lead to weight loss and malnutrition, exacerbating overall health.
Additionally, cirrhosis can lead to esophageal varices, enlarged veins in the walls of the lower part of the esophagus. These varices are a result of portal hypertension, a condition common in cirrhosis where blood flow through the liver is slowed, causing blood to back up into other blood vessels, such as those in the esophagus. These varices can make swallowing difficult and, in severe cases, can rupture and bleed, a potentially life-threatening situation. (12)
