Swallowing & Feeding Disorders

Dysphagia is a condition that affects the ability to swallow food, liquids, or saliva safely and efficiently. It can result from neurological conditions, muscular disorders, stroke, head and neck cancers, or aging. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, coughing or choking while eating, feeling of food stuck in the throat, and unintended weight loss. If untreated, dysphagia can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, or aspiration pneumonia. Diagnosis involves clinical swallowing assessments and imaging studies. Treatment varies from swallowing therapy, diet modifications, and exercises to improve muscle coordination. In severe cases, alternative feeding methods like tube feeding may be required.