Q. What are the common causes of dysphagia in children?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common issue in children. It can have multiple causes and often requires medical diagnosis and treatment. Here are some of the most common causes of dysphagia in children:


Muscular Disorders: Muscle weakness or paralysis resulting from conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injuries, and various myopathies can cause difficulty with muscle movements necessary for safe swallowing.

Structural Problems: Swallowing difficulties may be due to structural problems with the child’s mouth, throat or esophagus such as a cleft palate; narrowing (stricture) of the food pipe (esophagus) due to scarring; growths called webs that limit how far food can pass down the throat; injury to the nerves that control muscles used in swallowing; or an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter).

Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, Crohn’s Disease which cause inflammation within the digestive tract can also lead to dysphagia in children if left untreated for long periods of time .

Neurological Disorders : Stroke , dementia , brain tumours , trauma , infection and certain degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease all affect either directly or indirectly on a persons ability to swallow . Difficulties could manifest themselves in both voluntary acts like chewing correctly but also involuntary reflexive responses including coughing and gagging .

Medication Side effects : Certain medications including those taken for depression anxiety / sleep disturbances heartburn etc., may have unforeseen side effects leading to interruption during feeding / eating ie dysphagia

It is important that any signs of difficulty with swallowing should be discussed with your primary healthcare provider who will refer you appropriately should they feel your case warrants further investigation - so please don't hesitate !

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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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