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SWALLOWING DISORDERS

DYSPHAGIA

WHAT IS DYSPHAGIA?

 

Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing. While swallowing seems simple enough, it is actually an extremely complex process that involves about 50 muscles working together with adequate strength and coordination to safely move food/liquid/saliva from the mouth into the stomach. When even one component of the swallowing mechanism is compromised, people may experience dysphagia. This can result in aspiration (i.e., food/liquid/saliva entering the airway), aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, choking, and/or decreased quality of life.

 

While dysphagia can occur at any age, it increases with age. Studies show the prevalence in community-dwelling persons over age 50 years is estimated to be between 15% and 22%. Dysphagia risk further increases with conditions like Parkinson’s Disease, stroke, head/neck cancer, etc.

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Man Eating Breakfast

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

  • Coughing or choking when eating/drinking

  • Sensation of a “lump” in your throat 

  • Sensation of food/liquid “sticking” in your chest/throat

  • Dry mouth

  • Difficulty initiating a swallow

  • Unintentional weight loss

  • Long mealtimes 

  • Food/liquid come out through your nose

  • Pain with swallowing

  • Difficulty swallowing pills

 If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms or for more information, please contact Davina. 

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