1. What is Dysphagia?

2. How does Dysphagia occur?

What is dysphagia?

People with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing and may also experience pain while swallowing. Some may be completely unable to swallow or may have trouble swallowing liquids, foods, or even saliva. Eating then becomes a challenge. Often, dysphagia makes it difficult to take in enough calories and fluids to nourish the body.

How does Dysphagia occur?

Dysphagia occurs when there is a problem with any part of the swallowing process. Weak tongue or cheek muscles may make it hard to move food around in the mouth for chewing. Food pieces that are too large for swallowing may enter the throat and block the passage of air.

Other problems may arise from stroke, Alzheimers' Disease, Parkinson's, or other nervous system disorder. People with these kinds of problems are unable to begin the muscle movements that allow food to move from the mouth to the stomach. Bits of food can fall or even be pulled into the windpipe (trachea), which may result in lung infection.