Symptom 7: Swallowing Difficulties: The Challenges of Eating and Drinking
Swallowing difficulties, or dysphagia, is another symptom observed in cystinosis patients. This is primarily due to the accumulation of cystine crystals in the muscles and nerves that control swallowing. Dysphagia can turn the simple act of eating or drinking into a daunting task.
Patients might experience a sensation of food getting stuck in their throat or chest. They might have to swallow multiple times to get food down or might cough or choke while eating or drinking. Such experiences can make meal times stressful and anxiety-inducing.
Moreover, dysphagia can potentially lead to complications. For instance, it increases the risk of aspiration, a situation where food or liquid enters the airways. Aspiration can cause pneumonia, a serious lung infection that can have severe consequences, particularly in individuals whose health is already compromised due to cystinosis.
Furthermore, the difficulties with eating can impact nutritional intake. Reduced food consumption can lead to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies, further exacerbating the condition’s symptoms. It could potentially hinder the growth and development in children and lower the immune function, making the individual more susceptible to other diseases.
Swallowing difficulties in cystinosis underline the fact that the disease’s impact extends to some of life’s most basic functions. It highlights the depth and complexity of cystinosis and the challenges faced by those living with it. (7)
