Symptom 4: Dysphagia – Difficulty in Swallowing
PKAN can also cause dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, a symptom that can have significant health implications. Dysphagia results from impairment of the muscular control involved in swallowing, potentially affecting both the swallowing of food and fluids.
In the early stages, dysphagia may manifest as occasional difficulty swallowing or a feeling that food is stuck in the throat. However, as PKAN progresses, dysphagia may become more pronounced, potentially leading to malnutrition and dehydration, which can contribute to an overall decline in health.
Beyond physical health implications, dysphagia can have psychosocial consequences. It can limit social activities involving food, which could lead to feelings of isolation and distress. Moreover, the threat of choking or aspiration can create anxiety around mealtimes.
However, early recognition of dysphagia allows for dietary modifications and therapeutic interventions that can help manage this symptom. This again underscores the importance of recognizing and understanding the various symptoms of PKAN. (4)
