Tag: Esophageal motility

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, affects millions of people, and while many associate it with neurological or structural issues, a surprising number of cases are linked to electrolyte imbalances. Specifically, a severe calcium deficiency can cause dysphagia by disrupting the complex muscle contractions needed for proper swallowing. This article explores the physiological basis of this connection and provides insight into diagnosis and treatment.

According to health data, low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia) can result in a range of neuromuscular symptoms, including difficulty swallowing. This is because the mineral is a critical player in both muscle and nerve function throughout the body, including the complex mechanics of swallowing. When magnesium is deficient, the delicate muscular contractions involved in moving food from the mouth to the stomach can be disrupted, leading to a condition known as dysphagia.