If you’re living with fibromyalgia and dysphagia, you know how scary it can be when swallowing suddenly feels impossible. My first experience with this was terrifying, and I realized just how common this symptom is.
If you’ve been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you already know about the chronic pain, fatigue, and “fibro fog.” But something less talked about is the connection between fibromyalgia and dysphagia. It’s a frustrating and, at times, frightening symptom. After all, swallowing is something we do thousands of times a day without a second thought—until suddenly, we can’t. Let’s explore why this happens and how to take control.
The Link Between Fibromyalgia and Dysphagia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that impacts the nervous system, causing widespread pain and other symptoms. Though it’s often linked with muscle pain and fatigue, it can also affect muscles and nerves in other areas of the body—including those responsible for swallowing.
The latest research suggests that the issue may be related to how fibromyalgia affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like digestion and swallowing. When this system is out of sync, it can lead to symptoms like difficulty swallowing, a sensation of food being stuck, or even that terrifying moment of choking.
While studies on fibromyalgia and dysphagia have been limited, research in 2024 is beginning to shine more light on this connection. One recent study showed that up to 40% of fibromyalgia patients experience some form of swallowing difficulty. This may be due to muscle fatigue, miscommunication between nerves and muscles, or even inflammation in the tissues involved in swallowing. It’s a complex puzzle, but as we learn more, we can better manage it.
How Dysphagia Manifests in Fibromyalgia
Dysphagia doesn’t always look the same for everyone, which is part of what makes it tricky. Some people might experience a mild feeling of discomfort when swallowing, while others may have more severe issues, like choking or a complete inability to swallow certain foods. Here are some common ways dysphagia manifests:
- Difficulty starting a swallow: You may feel like the muscles just aren’t responding.
- The sensation of food sticking in the throat: This can happen with solids or liquids.
- Pain when swallowing: For some, each swallow brings discomfort.
- Choking or coughing during meals: The scariest and most dangerous symptom, this can lead to anxiety around eating.
For those of us with fibromyalgia, it’s easy to brush off dysphagia as just another annoying symptom, but it’s essential to recognize it for what it is: a serious issue that requires attention.
Managing Dysphagia with Fibromyalgia
After my frightening choking experience, I knew I needed to find a way to manage this. It wasn’t something I could ignore or deal with later. Thankfully, new strategies are being developed to help those of us with both fibromyalgia and dysphagia. If you’re experiencing this, here are a few ways to manage it:
1. Collaborate with a specialist:
Seek out a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who specializes in swallowing disorders. These professionals can assess your swallowing ability and help you develop techniques to prevent choking.
2. Mindful eating habits:
Slow down. I can’t stress this enough. Take smaller bites and chew thoroughly. It may seem obvious, but when you’re distracted or in a hurry, it’s easy to forget. Avoid talking while eating, and always focus on what you’re doing.
3. Modify your diet:
Certain foods are harder to swallow, especially when you’re dealing with fibromyalgia-related muscle fatigue. Stick to softer, easier-to-swallow foods and avoid dry or crumbly foods that can get stuck in your throat. It’s also a good idea to stay hydrated, as dry foods can be more difficult to manage.
4. Posture and positioning:
The way you sit or stand while eating can make a big difference. Make sure you’re sitting upright, with your head slightly forward. This simple adjustment can help guide food and liquids down the right path.
5. Innovative therapy options:
In recent years, there’s been promising development in therapeutic options for dysphagia. These include targeted exercises designed to strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing and techniques to retrain the nervous system’s coordination between the brain and swallowing muscles. Always consult your healthcare provider about what might work best for you.
6. Address underlying causes:
Some medications used to manage fibromyalgia symptoms can also contribute to dry mouth or muscle weakness, which makes swallowing even harder. Talk to your doctor about whether your medication regimen might need adjusting.
Staying Positive and Moving Forward
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when dealing with both fibromyalgia and dysphagia, but you’re not alone. These conditions don’t define us; they’re just part of our journey. Yes, it can be frustrating and even scary, especially when an episode of choking catches you off guard. But learning to manage these symptoms gives you back control.
What’s helped me the most is connecting with others who have experienced the same thing. Whether it’s through support groups or online communities, sharing your story and hearing others’ experiences can be incredibly empowering. You might discover new tips and techniques that you hadn’t considered before, or even just find comfort in knowing that someone else “gets it.”
Share Your Story
Have you experienced dysphagia along with fibromyalgia? I’d love to hear your story. How have you managed it? What strategies have worked best for you? Let’s start a conversation, because the more we share, the more we can help each other thrive despite these challenges. Leave a comment below or reach out through social media.
Resources
For more information on dysphagia and fibromyalgia, and to connect with others, here are a few resources you may find helpful:
- The National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association
- Dysphagia Research Society
- The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
While the connection between fibromyalgia and dysphagia may feel daunting at times, there’s always hope, and there are always new strategies being developed. Stay informed, stay proactive, and never be afraid to ask for help. Together, we can learn to manage this—one bite at a time.
