Verdict: FALSE.
Why this idea is misleading
Over the years, certain changes linked to aging can slightly modify swallowing. But that doesn’t mean that persistent difficulty swallowing is normal.
Doctors call it dysphagia when a person has difficulty moving food or drinks from the mouth to the stomach. The symptom may only affect solid foods or may also affect liquids.
Very varied causes
Angina, inflammation of the esophagus, or gastroesophageal reflux disease can cause pain or discomfort when swallowing.
More rarely, neurological diseases or esophageal obstruction may be involved.
Context is therefore essential. Did the difficulty appear suddenly? Is it evolving gradually? Is it accompanied by weight loss or chest pain?
When should you consult?
Persistent difficulty swallowing, the feeling that food is stuck or repeated aspiration warrants a medical consultation.
The earlier treatment is received, the easier it is to identify the cause.
What to remember
Having difficulty swallowing is not a normal consequence of aging. This symptom is always worth exploring when it persists.
Advice from Dr Gérald Kierzek
Difficulty swallowing (or dysphagia), especially if it persists or worsens, may be linked to GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) but should also prompt the search for a more serious ENT or esophageal cause, including cancer.