Without effective treatment of dysphagia, the condition can severely obstruct breathing and swallowing, leading to potential suffocation, spread of toxins causing myocarditis and nerve damage, and complications from bulimia such as irregular heartbeat or stomach rupture. Additionally, starvation can cause dehydration, fungal infections, and vitamin deficiencies resulting in serious health conditions.
Without effective treatment of dysphagia, various complications can arise. The condition can progress to the point where swallowing becomes increasingly difficult, potentially leading to obstruction in the pharynx or trachea, which might necessitate intubation or even result in suffocation and death. Further, the spread of diseases like diphtheria throughout the body can cause myocarditis (heart damage) and nerve damage, impairing breathing and other vital functions.
In cases of bulimia nervosa, repeated binging and purging can lead to electrolyte imbalances, posing risks of irregular heartbeat or heart failure, rupture of the stomach or esophagus, and erosion of dental enamel. Starvation can also lead to severe health issues, including dehydration, muscle atrophy, fungal infections, and vitamin deficiencies, potentially resulting in serious conditions such as anemia, beriberi, pellagra, scurvy, and heart failure.
Understanding the phases of deglutition is crucial in recognizing the impacts of dysphagia. In its absence, even basic self-care like breathing, swallowing, and eating can be compromised, resulting in a long-term dependence on medical interventions such as feeding tubes and ventilators. Therefore, the early recognition and treatment of dysphagia are essential to prevent these severe outcomes.