Understanding the Connection Between Dysphagia, EDS, and Hypermobility Disorders

SEDSConnective
Aug 3
2 min read

Updated: Aug 4

Dysphagia is where you have problems swallowing. Symptoms of dysphagia coughing or choking when eating or drinking. This could be bringing food back up, sometimes through the nose, a feeling that food is stuck in your throat or chest, a gurgly, wet-sounding voice when eating or drinking (NHS Patient) Dysphagia can occur for a number of medical reasons but seems to be a common occurrence for those with hypermobility.

High prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders in a large cohort of patients with joint hypermobility

Vibha Sood et al (2024)

A recent study from 2024 studied both children and adults with hypermobility.

435 children and young adults diagnosed with hEDS or JHS, aiming to explore the prevalence and types of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms within this population. A significant finding was that 32% of participants reported dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, highlighting it as a common and important concern in this group.

Among those with dysphagia, further investigations revealed a strong association with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). EoE was found in 33% of patients reporting dysphagia, compared to only 16% of those without swallowing difficulties. This statistically significant difference suggests that EoE should be considered as a potential underlying cause when dysphagia presents in individuals with symptomatic hypermobility.

Esophageal motility studies were carried out in a subset of approximately 80 patients, particularly those with persistent upper GI symptoms. These tests revealed that about 31% had abnormalities in esophageal function. Notably, among those with dysphagia, 40% had minor motility disorders, while 60% showed no detectable motility issues, suggesting a diagnosis of functional dysphagia where symptoms are present despite normal test results.

Tips for dysphagia (swallowing difficulties), especially relevant to people with hypermobility related conditions:

Take small sips and bites – Avoid large mouthfuls that are harder to manage.
Sit upright when eating or drinking – Good posture can make swallowing easier.
Moisten dry foods – Use sauces or broths to help food go down smoothly.
Try smooth textures – Pureed or blended foods may be easier to swallow.
Eat slowly and calmly – Rushing can increase the risk of choking.
Notice what helps – Temperature and texture preferences can vary.
Seek specialist support – Ongoing difficulty should be assessed by a doctor or specialist.