Swallowing Difficulty (Dysphagia): What Causes It and When Should You Be Concerned? Most people swallow hundreds of times every day without noticing. When swallowing becomes uncomfortable, difficult or feels abnormal, it can quickly affect eating, drinking and quality of life. Some patients describe food “sticking” in the throat, while others notice coughing during meals, discomfort swallowing tablets or a persistent sensation of tightness in the throat. The medical term for swallowing difficulty is dysphagia . Swallowing problems can range from mild irritation to more significant conditions requiring specialist investigation. This article explains common causes of dysphagia, symptoms to look out for and when to seek ENT assessment. What is dysphagia? Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing. It may involve problems with: Swallowing solids Swallowing liquids Initiating a swallow Sensation of food sticking Pain during swallowing Coughing or choking while eating Symptoms ...
The Midnight Waking Dilemma: Is it a Night Terror or an Airway Blockage? There is nothing quite as alarming for a parent as waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of your child thrashing in bed, crying out, or gasping for air. When a child experiences these dramatic midnight episodes, parents frequently search for answers in parenting forums, concluding that their little one is simply suffering from standard childhood "night terrors" or nightmares. However, many parents are surprised to learn that what looks exactly like a psychological night terror can actually be a physical struggle to breathe. Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB) and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) are frequently misdiagnosed as behavioral sleep problems. This guide will help you spot the difference so you can get your child the right medical support. How a Blocked Airway Mimics a Night Terror A true night terror is a sleep disorder where a child partially wakes up from deep sleep in a state of i...