Q. What is dysphagia?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Dysphagia is a medical term used to describe difficulty in swallowing. It can occur due to physical and/or neurological disorders, or it may be caused by certain medical treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Dysphagia can also result from some congenital conditions or anatomical abnormalities of the throat.

Physically, dysphagia is defined by difficulty initiating a swallow, prolonged time spent swallowing (dislocation), pain during the process of swallowing (odynophagia) and feeling that food has become stuck somewhere in the throat or chest (trismus). The individual may also experience difficulty controlling saliva production (sialorrhea) and coughing when eating or drinking liquids. Neurologically, dysphagia may occur regardless of an individual’s ability to chew their food, due to difficulties regulating the muscles responsible for pushing food through the esophagus into the stomach.

An individual with dysphagia often experiences changes in appetite and weight loss — this is because they are unable to consume enough foods or beverages needed for proper nutrition; aspiration pneumonia may develop as well if food particles enter into their lungs while attempting to swallow due to weakened airway protective reflexes associated with disability impairments. Consequently, individuals with dysphagia should promptly seek out medical care so that an accurate diagnosis can be made along with potential treatment(s) options available; which could involve speech-language pathology help where appropriate exercises are provided along with dietary modifications necessary for better consumption of specific types of food items depending on severity level present within each case situation .

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Q. Hello Doctor, from past 3 weeks I have too much dandruff problem and it cause hair loss will you suggest any best solution for this?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Dealing with excessive dandruff leading to hair loss can be frustrating, but there are effective ways to address this issue. Here's what you can do:

1. Switch to a Gentle Shampoo: Opt for shampoos specifically designed for dandruff, containing ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, or selenium sulfide. Use these shampoos regularly to reduce dandruff buildup.

2. Scalp Massage: Gently massage your scalp while shampooing to help remove flakes and improve blood circulation, which can promote healthier hair growth.

3. Avoid Hot Water: Wash your hair with lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can dry out your scalp and worsen dandruff.

4. Balanced Diet: Ensure you're eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair and scalp, such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and B vitamins.

5. Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate dandruff problems. Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise to help manage stress levels.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: Consider using diluted apple cider vinegar as a rinse after shampooing. It can help restore the scalp's pH balance and reduce dandruff.

7. Consult a Dermatologist: If the issue persists despite trying home remedies or over-the-counter solutions, seek advice from a dermatologist. They can provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific scalp condition.

Remember, consistency is key when dealing with dandruff. Give these remedies some time to work, as immediate results might not always occur. It's essential to find what works best for your scalp, so don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate improvements.

Taking care of your scalp health not only addresses dandruff but also aids in reducing hair loss associated with this issue. Feel free to incorporate these tips into your routine and observe how your scalp responds. If the problem persists or worsens, seeking professional guidance is always recommended.

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