Dysphagia Due to Crohn’s? Here’s What to Do

Crohn’s disease is often associated with inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract.

It can make it difficult to eat certain foods, difficult to get adequate nutrients, and generally just difficult to function normally without proper treatment. But turns out, the symptoms of Crohn’s range well beyond mere stomach issues.

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is one such symptom that can be particularly alarming. Struggling to swallow is one thing (and not fun), but persistent difficulty swallowing is a problem that should not be ignored.

Here’s what you can do if you face Crohn’s disease.

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

First off, difficulty swallowing should not be taken lightly. It can affect your ability to eat and drink, which is obviously critical to good health. The condition can also be uncomfortable and painful, further necessitating medical care.

So your first step is to consult with a healthcare provider and get a proper diagnosis. For the best results, you want a specialist in gastrointestinal disorders. They can evaluate your symptoms, get you the right diagnostic tests, and determine what your condition is and isn’t.

In some cases, dysphagia may be caused by strictures or esophageal ulcers, known complications of Crohn’s disease.

The specialist will typically use a flexible tube fitted with a camera. This can view your esophagus and stomach, determining areas of inflammation, narrowing, and damage. From there, you and your doctor can explore appropriate treatments best fit for your condition.

2. Corticosteroids and Proton Pump Inhibitors

These are two common medications used to treat dysphagia. They are specifically used for inflammation and acid reflux, making them ideal for many Crohn’s patients. For instance, corticosteroids, such as prednisone, help bring down inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the esophagus.

Then you have proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which help to reduce stomach acid production. Given that stomach acid can irritate the esophagus and worsen dysphagia, this is a critical function.

Your doctor can help you find the appropriate medication and dosage based on exactly what you need.

3. Dietary Changes

Diet changes are one of the main ways to manage dysphagia related to Crohn’s disease. Your first priority should be foods that are easier to swallow. Mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and soup are all great choices.

Also, you want to stay hydrated. Because dysphagia can make it harder to consume food, opt for bone broths and nutritional supplements that are liquid-based if you’re struggling to eat normally. At the very least, you can eat smaller, more frequent meals that allow you to gain nutrition.

And of course, avoid trigger foods. Spicy, acidic, and hard, crunchy foods – especially raw veggies – can be tough to swallow and tough on your digestive tract. Citrus fruits and spicy foods also aggravate the esophagus, so consume them sparingly.

4. Speech and Swallow Therapy

While you may have heard of speech therapy, did you know there’s also swallow therapy?

With swallow therapy, you engage in various techniques that allow you to make the most of your diminished capacity. Over time, these strategies allow you to swallow more normally. For example, techniques such as the chin tuck can help direct food down while the supraglottic swallow can help you clear the throat through breathing, swallowing, and coughing.

Taken together, these techniques can go a long way toward improving your outcomes from dysphagia. Although dysphagia can be a challenging and life-altering symptom for many, it doesn’t have to be.

With a multifaceted approach focused on nutrition, medicine, lifestyle, and prompt healthcare, you can take the reins back. You can seize back control of your life and manage your Crohn’s symptoms safely and effectively.

By Evan Bollinger | Published November 13, 2024