“Dysphagia” occurs when there is a problem with any part of the swallowing process. Any condition that weakens or damages the muscles or nerves used for swallowing may cause dysphagia.

Swallowing disorders can occur
at various phases
in the swallowing process:

• Oral Phase – difficulty chewing and manipulating the food/liquids in the mouth
• Oral Transport – Moving the food/liquid from the mouth to the throat
• Pharyngeal Phase – difficulty triggering the swallow, squeezing food or liquid down the throat, closing and protecting the airway so food and liquid don’t go down “the wrong way.”
• Esophageal Phase – difficulty relaxing and tightening openings at the throat and stomach, difficulty squeezing food through esophagus, reflux.

What can cause
Swallowing Disorders in Adults?

• Damage to the Nervous System
• Stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury
• Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis
• Lou Gehrig’s Disease
• Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy
• Mental Retardation, Developmental Disabilities
• Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia
• Problems Impacting the Head and Neck
• Mouth/Throat/Esophageal Cancer
• Persistent Acid Reflux Disease
• Injury/Surgery to the Head and Neck
• Decayed/Missing teeth or dentures
• Infections
• Bacterial or Viral
• Use of Certain Medications
• Side effects may cause dry mouth, throat pain, difficulties swallowing
• Trauma
• Burns (thermal, electrical, laser)
• Cervical Spine surgery
• Emotional Issues

How do Swallowing
problems impact people?

• Poor nutrition, Possible dehydration
• Risk of food/liquid entering the airway (aspiration), leading to pneumonia and/or chronic lung disease
• Less enjoyment of eating or drinking
• Embarrassment or isolation in social situations involving eating

What are signs and symptoms
of a swallowing problem?

• Coughing during or right after eating or drinking
• Wet or gurgly sounding voice during or right after eating or drinking
• Extra effort or time needed to chew or swallow
• Food/liquids leaking from the mouth or getting stuck in the mouth
• Recurring pneumonia or chest congestion after eating
• Weight loss or dehydration from not being able to eat enough