dysphagia
Pronunciation: dis-FAY-jee-uh
Difficulty swallowing, a frequent complication in geriatric rehabilitation patients that carries significant risks for aspiration and malnutrition.
Full Definition
Dysphagia refers to difficulty or discomfort in swallowing and may arise from neurological, structural, or muscular causes. In geriatric rehabilitation settings, it commonly follows stroke, Parkinson's disease, or head and neck surgery, and is assessed and managed by speech and language therapists. The condition is classified as oropharyngeal (affecting the mouth and throat) or oesophageal (affecting the oesophagus). Editors must carefully distinguish 'dysphagia' (swallowing difficulty) from 'dysphasia' (language impairment) and 'dysphonia' (voice disorder) — three terms that are phonetically similar but clinically distinct. The British English spelling 'oesophageal' is preferred in UK clinical documents, while 'esophageal' is standard in American English.
Usage
Usage note: Not to be confused with 'dysphasia' (impaired language) or 'dysphonia' (impaired voice). Specify the type (oropharyngeal or oesophageal) when clinically relevant. Use the IDDSI framework for texture descriptors.
In Context
- "Post-stroke dysphagia was identified during the speech and language therapy assessment on day two." — Stroke rehabilitation admission note
- "Dietary texture modification was prescribed in line with the IDDSI framework following confirmation of oropharyngeal dysphagia." — Dietetics referral letter