Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) | De KNO Praktijk Nijmegen
Swallowing is difficult, food or drink gets stuck in the throat, or it feels like there's a lump in the throat. Swallowing difficulties often bring anxiety…
De KNO Praktijk Nijmegen ENT care Throat & voice Coughing Lump in the throat Swallowing difficulties Tonsillitis Voice complaints Nose & sinuses Loss of smell Nasal congestion Nasal polyps Sinusitis Ears & hearing Ear infection Earache Earwax Hearing loss Tinnitus Focus areas Allergy Sleep & snoring The practice For referrers Contact Request a referral NL EN DE Home / Throat & voice / Swallowing difficulties Swallowing Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) Swallowing is difficult, food or drink gets stuck in the throat, or it feels like there's a lump in the throat. Swallowing difficulties often bring anxiety and uncertainty. We work with you to find the cause and discuss which treatment helps. Request a referral Treatment options On this page The complaint in brief Recognisable symptoms Causes and assessment Treatment and tips What to expect Frequently asked questions The complaint in brief When swallowing no longer comes naturally Swallowing difficulties, also called dysphagia, make swallowing hard: swallowing food and/or drink is difficult. There can be a sensation that food and/or drink gets stuck in the throat, swallowing can be painful, and sometimes it feels like there's a lump in the throat. Swallowing difficulties often bring anxiety and uncertainty. Do you notice that swallowing is difficult, that food gets stuck, or that there's constantly a lump in your throat? Discuss this with your GP; they can refer you to us. Recognisable symptoms Do you recognise this? Swallowing difficulties involve various complaints related to swallowing. You may experience different symptoms. Swallowing food or drink is difficult Gagging A lot of saliva Pain when swallowing Coughing often while eating Choking Food or drink comes back up after swallowing It feels like there's a lump in the throat Less appetite Eating slowly Causes and assessment Many possible causes Many different nerves and muscles are involved in the process of swallowing. Several causes are therefore possible: for example a throat infection, a thyroid problem, vocal cord or oesophagus conditions, stress, or simply getting older. Treatment and tips The treatment that suits you Which treatment is used depends entirely on the cause of your swallowing difficulties. The ENT specialist always discusses her findings with you and takes the time to look with you at the best treatment. For swallowing problems Help from a speech therapist You may benefit from the help of a speech therapist. For nutrition Advice from a dietitian A dietitian can help you further with adjusting your diet. What you can do yourself Sit upright while eating or drinking Try not to talk, or talk as little as possible, while eating Don't smoke Eat and drink calmly, taking small bites and sips What to expect How your care unfolds Your GP refers you; we schedule a first conversation about your symptoms. The ENT specialist asks specifically about your symptoms to get a good picture of your problem. If needed, we examine your throat with a flexible, patient-friendly scope; you can watch along on the screen. We discuss the best treatment and keep monitoring the effect with you. Who treats you One dedicated ENT specialist throughout your care You are supported personally, from the intake conversation through to treatment. dr. Anne-Martine de Heer ENT specialist BIG 19066557501 Frequently asked questions Frequently asked questions {{ f.q }} {{ f.sign }} {{ f.a }} Make an appointment Struggling a lot with swallowing difficulties? For an appointment at De KNO Praktijk Nijmegen you need a referral from your GP. Discuss your symptoms with your GP; they assess whether a referral for your swallowing difficulties is needed. With the referral, you contact us and we schedule your consultation. Get in touch Information for referrers How to arrange a referral Discuss your swallowing difficulties with your GP Your GP assesses whether a referral is needed Get in touch to schedule your consultation De KNO Praktijk Nijmegen Personal, specialist care in Nijmegen and the surrounding area. Feedback & complaints Privacy notice © 2026 De KNO Praktijk Nijmegen · KvK 68663137 · AGB 22221372
