dysphagia
Pronunciation: dis-FAY-jee-uh
Difficulty swallowing food, liquids, or saliva due to neurological or structural problems.
Full Definition
Dysphagia refers to difficulty or discomfort in swallowing, which can occur at any stage of the swallowing process from the mouth to the stomach. In neurological contexts, dysphagia often results from stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or other conditions affecting the cranial nerves or brain regions controlling swallowing. The condition can lead to aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, and dehydration. Assessment typically involves clinical evaluation and may include instrumental assessments like videofluoroscopic swallow study or fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.
Usage
Usage note: Not to be confused with dysphasia (language disorder) or odynophagia (painful swallowing).
In Context
- "Post-stroke dysphagia required modification to a pureed diet consistency." — rehabilitation plan
- "The speech pathologist evaluated dysphagia using bedside swallow assessment." — consultation note