Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing
It can range from mild discomfort during mealtimes to being unable to swallow any food or liquid. Occasional instances of difficulty, like eating too fast or insufficiently chewing food, are generally not concerning. However, persistent or worsening difficulty swallowing can indicate an underlying medical condition requiring investigation and treatment. This condition can affect people of any age but is more prevalent in older adults.
Dysphagia can lead to complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, unintended weight loss, and recurrent chest infections. Common causes of dysphagia include health conditions affecting the nervous system (e.g., stroke, head injury, dementia), cancers (like mouth or oesophageal cancer), or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).
Treatment for dysphagia varies depending on the cause and type of dysphagia, which can be determined through a thorough clinical swallow assessment, a modified barium swallow study [MBSS], fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing [FEES], or an examination of the oesophagus performed by a gastroenterologist.
Dysphagia can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, making it difficult to enjoy meals and social events.
