Swallowing is something many of us do every day without even thinking about it. But for others it's a major cause of concern.

For some people, a change in how they swallow their food can be an indication that something is terribly wrong.

Fred Jenkins says, "I was losing some of my food going into the windpipe."

Difficulty swallowing-also called ---dysphagia is not something you should take lightly.

Gastroenterologist Suresh Chavakula explains "If you have frequent difficulties with swallowing like food is lodged here or sometimes it's lodged behind your chest, in this area or you feel some kind of difficulty in breathing when you eat, I think that you should report that to your doctor."

Dr. Chavakula says that it's important to see your physician about any discomfort or difficulty you may have regarding your swallowing abilities. If left untreated your symptoms may only get worse. "Weight loss and malnutrition to the point where you're not taking in adequate calories, that is actually very late for you to be coming into the doctor."

Dr. Chavakula also says that your difficulty may be caused by an inflammation, an infection or something more serious. "If the dysphagia is due to esophageal cancer the earlier you present to your physician, the better the outcome."

Esophageal cancer carries a very poor prognosis if a patient waits too long to see the doctor. Bottom line, if you're having problems swallowing your food and it's recurrent, see your physician.

Dysphagia has many causes, some easily treated. Due to natural aging and normal wear and tear on the esophagus, older adults are at higher risk of swallowing difficulties.