Dysphagia

Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. It can affect any stage of swallowing — from chewing and moving food to the back of the mouth, to moving it safely down the throat and esophagus — and it becomes more common with age, stroke, Parkinson's, and dementia.

Why it is serious

Unsafe swallowing can cause choking and aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway), which can lead to aspiration pneumonia. Dysphagia also contributes to poor nutrition and dehydration when eating and drinking become difficult or frightening.

Signs and what to do

Watch for coughing or choking during meals, a wet or gurgly voice after eating, food pocketing in the cheeks, drooling, or unexplained weight loss. Dysphagia should always be evaluated by a doctor or speech-language pathologist, who can recommend safe textures (such as thickened liquids), positioning, and techniques. Specialized no-spill cups and adaptive utensils can also help make eating and drinking safer.