Hiatal hernia (sometimes called diaphragm hernia) means that the aperture in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes, is widened because of a partially-, or completely weakened diaphragm. This is the reason for the most common type of dysphagia, so-called intermittent esophageal dysphagia. This form of dysphagia affects around 10% of the population irrespective of age: young and old. Common symptoms include acidic indigestion, reflux, heartburn, chronic cough, a feeling of 'lump in the throat’ or of a blockage in the chest or difficulties in swallowing solid food e.g. dry meat...
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Snoring is something that, directly or indirectly, affects the majority of us - and it is a common condition. Perhaps you don’t snore yourself, but your partner does - which disturbs a good night’s sleep for both of you. Moreover, the number of people that suffer from suspension of breathing, apnoea, is larger than was earlier thought. A person suffering from apnoea syndrome;may have hundreds of pauses in their breathing each night - each followed by a ’mini wake-up’ and a reduction of the oxygen levels in the blood: something that leads to serious health risks.
Stroke is one of the most widespread diseases in the world and can strike at any time in life, from newborn to the elderly. In Sweden someone suffers a stroke every 17th minute, which totals to around 30,000 people every year (400 of every 100 000 citizens). Of these, 50% to 70% suffer swallowing difficulties dysphagia as a result, but 20% of these regain their ability naturally during the first three weeks after stroke. The remaining 30% to 50% have severe long-term eating- and swallowing difficulties. Statistics suggest however, an underestimate of the actual incidence: possibly because of missed diagnosis and the absence of validated examination methods. Recent research also shows that every individual that is affected by a stroke will also suffer facial paralysis central facialis pares...
Every person that is affected by swallowing difficulties dysphagia after a stroke, also has a central facial dysfunction or paralysis central facialis pares: usually caused by an injury in one of the two brain hemispheres.Sudden paralysis or muscle weakness in one half of the face, peripheral facial paralysis - also known as Bell’s palsy has no identified
In Sweden, around 1,700 children are born each year with chromosomal aberrations, e.g. Down syndrome, and fetus injuries like cerebral palsy. In addition around 150 to 200 children are born annually with cleft palate - orofacial cleft. These children often have difficulties with facial and mouth functions. Common symptoms are for example difficulties in swallowing, difficulties in closing the ... mouth, drooling, or weakened musculature in the face and oral cavity. This affects the child’s face-, bite- and jaw development, and also the child’s speech ability.
Bite abnormalities arise in between 60% to 75% of the population and affect both children and adults, of these 30% have an abnormality which should be remedied. Untreated bite abnormalities can affect oral health and bite and jaw function. It is important to notice early, those children that often have normally open mouths or breathe through their mouths. This is a signal that the balance between the various muscle groups in the face and oral cavity have been disturbed, which in time can lead to abnormalities both in the mouth’s functions, and in bite- and jaw development...
Swallowing difficulties – dysphagia - is common amongst the elderly in general, and its estimated prevalence is between 17% and 63%. Amongst those in residential or special care the proportion is 40% to 60%. There are many reasons why dysphagia is common amongst the elderly; as the body ages, our sensitivity and muscle strength weaken, including in the face, oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus and the inner organs. In time, these changes mean that it takes longer to chew and swallow, and that food particles can remain lodged in the upper air
The fear of cancer is deeply rooted in us all. The first thing that a person who starts to experience swallowing difficulties dysphagia may think of, is cancer. In some cases swallowing difficulties can be a symptom of cancer, but the most common causes of dysphagia are the consequences of a stroke or a hiatus hernia. However, treatment of cancer in the face, mouth, head, pharynx and neck regions can give rise to injuries that affect speech, eating and the swallowing function to various degrees. In this section we describe briefly how dysphagia can appear to be a symptom of cancer. Further we show how IQoro® can help those that are having problems in the face, mouth, head, pharynx and neck region in connection with, or after, a cancer treatment. IQoro® is a new and unique neuromuscular treatment method that requires just 30 seconds’ exercise, three times per day...
External trauma, and events that cause a temporary or long-term injury, can affect the young and old alike. Trauma - violence - to the head and neck region can cause brain damage or whiplash injury and the consequent problems can include swallowing difficulties – dysphagia, or paralysis in the face and pharynx, etc. Trauma is a common cause of long-term absence from... work, and severe functional difficulties, and is the most common cause of death for people in Sweden under 45 years old. Brain damage after head injury affects approximately 22,500 people per year in Sweden; with younger men and older people being over-represented. Brain damage is the most common cause of death and disablement amongst young men...
Neurological conditions like MS, Parkinson’s and ALS can all, more or less, cause reduced ability to use the face’s and mouth’s functions like being able to eat, chew, swallow, speak and smile. In this section we briefly describe MS, Parkinson’s, ALS and the usual symptoms for their diagnosis. MS, Parkinson’s and ALS differ symptom-wise but have similar problems and... requirements for treatment...
Achalasia is a rare sickness of the esophagus that most often occurs in the ages 10 to 30 years. It manifests itself as a disturbance of the motor ability both in the esophagus inner muscle layer, as well as in the lower esophagus mouth, also known as the upper stomach mouth or LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter). Why people are afflicted by this sickness is unknown, but every year it affects approximately 100 new victims in ... Sweden of both sexes (1.2 – 1.5 people per 100,000 citizens per year). Because the sickness is unusual, it’s often difficult to to get a correct diagnosis straightaway. Averagely, a patient with achalasia will have an incorrect diagnosis for four years, before the correct conclusion is reached. It is common that symptoms are confused with those of hiatus hernia or, just as likely, the sickness can be incorrectly diagnosed as anorexia or bulimia nervosa...