Dysphagia

📖What is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia is difficulty or discomfort in swallowing, which can occur at any stage of the swallowing process, from moving food or liquid in the mouth, to the physical act of swallowing in the throat, to the passage of food down the esophagus into the stomach. It can result from problems with the muscles and nerves that coordinate swallowing, structural abnormalities that physically obstruct the passage of food, or damage to the brain regions that control the complex, coordinated swallowing reflex. Dysphagia significantly increases the risk of choking and aspiration, in which food or liquid enters the airway and lungs instead of the esophagus, potentially leading to serious lung infections. Because swallowing safety directly affects nutrition, hydration, and respiratory health, thorough evaluation and targeted management by a speech-language pathologist are essential once dysphagia is identified.

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