3. Dysphagia – The Challenge of Eating and Drinking
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is another common symptom experienced by those with OPCA. It might seem easy, but swallowing is a complex process that involves multiple muscles and nerves, and disruption in this mechanism due to OPCA can make eating and drinking a challenging task.
At the outset, dysphagia might manifest as a subtle change. Perhaps the person starts eating slower, chewing their food more thoroughly, or avoiding certain foods that are difficult to swallow.
However, as OPCA progresses, the ability to swallow can become increasingly compromised. This progression can make it challenging to eat and drink, which can lead to malnutrition and dehydration if not appropriately managed.
But dysphagia does not just impact nutrition. Choking and coughing while eating or drinking are common, as the food or drink can mistakenly enter the windpipe instead of the esophagus.
This misdirection can lead to severe complications like aspiration pneumonia, a type of lung infection that occurs when food, saliva, liquids, or vomit is breathed into the lungs instead of being swallowed into the esophagus.
Coping with dysphagia can be quite challenging, and it often requires adjustments in dietary habits. Individuals might need to switch to softer or pureed foods or thicken liquids to make swallowing easier. In some cases, medical intervention, such as tube feeding, might be necessary to ensure the person receives adequate nutrition. (3)
