2. Difficulty Swallowing: An Overlooked Warning
Struggling to swallow isn’t just about a feeling of discomfort; it could be indicative of a tubulovillous adenoma located in the upper gastrointestinal tract. While many associate this type of adenoma with the lower GI tract, it can affect the upper region too.
The science behind swallowing is complex. It’s not a single action but a coordinated sequence of events involving over 20 muscles in and around the throat. An adenoma could interfere with this intricate ballet, leading to a sensation that something is “stuck” in your throat or chest when you try to swallow.
Let’s talk about salivary glands. Did you know they produce about 1 to 1.5 liters of saliva every day? But when you find it difficult to swallow, saliva may not be adequately coating the food, leading to friction that makes the action feel labored. This could be because the adenoma is affecting nerves that signal these glands.
This symptom might also present as a sort of episodic occurrence. One moment you’re eating comfortably, and the next, it feels like you have to force the food down. This inconsistency can be quite baffling and, at times, is attributed wrongly to factors like “eating too fast.”
If you’ve been battling this issue, you may find that you’ve unconsciously adjusted your eating habits. You might start opting for softer foods, eating slowly, or even avoiding meals altogether. Such behavioral shifts are signs that your body is naturally trying to mitigate the underlying issue, though you might not even be consciously aware of it. (2)
