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 include not being able to start the swallowing reflex (a stimulus that allows food and liquids to move safely through the pharynx) because of a stroke 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. Another difficulty can occur when weak throat muscles cannot move all of the food toward the stomach. Bits of food can fall or be pulled into the windpipe (trachea), which may result in lung infection.
- What Is Dysphagia?
- How Do We Swallow?
- How Does Dysphagia Occur?
- What Are Some Problems Caused by Dysphagia?
- What Causes Dysphagia?
- How Is Dysphagia Treated?
- What Research Is Being Done On Dysphagia?
- Where Can I Get Help?
- Where Can I Obtain Additional Information?
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