Dysphagia Range

What is dysphagia?

Dysphagia is the medical term used to describe having difficulty swallowing – this includes problems with swallowing, drinking, chewing, eating, or when food or drink goes down the ‘wrong way’.

It is usually caused by nerve or muscle problems. Dysphagia can be painful and is more common in the elderly.

Because there are many causes of dysphagia, treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Early signs of dysphagia are coughing or choking while eating and drinking. This means food, liquid or saliva might get into your lungs, which could cause pneumonia.