Dysphagia
Concept and Etiology: Dysphagia could affect the body by
preventing someone from swallowing or having trouble safely
swallowing liquids, foods, or saliva. Often, dysphagia makes it
difficult to take in enough calories and fluids to nourish the body
which can lead to additional serious medical problems. (Swallowing
Disorder, June 13, 2016)
Classification: How is the disease classified? Dysphagia can be
classified into four categories, based on the location of the
swallowing impairment: oropharyngeal, esophageal, esophagogastric,
and para esophageal These four types occur in four separate but
continuous anatomic areas, mental aspects of this disorder are, in
many ways, as challenging as addressing the physical limitations.
(Swallowing Disorder, June 13, 2016)
Dysphagia Symptoms: Each person is different, but some of the
common symptoms of this disorder are coughing during or right after
eating or drinking, wet or gurgle sounding voice during or after
eating or drinking, extra effort or time needed to chew or swallow,
food or liquid leaking from the mouth or getting stuck in the mouth,
weight loss or dehydration from not being able to eat enough.
Diagnostic tests for dysphagia: These tests are generally performed
by a speech-language pathologists. The most commonly used tests
are:
Modified barium swallow study – the patient eats or drinks food or
liquid with barium in it and the swallowing process is viewed on an x-
ray. Endoscope assessment – using a lighted scope inserted through
the nose, the swallow can be viewed on a screen. (Swallowing
Disorder, June 13, 2016)
