What is dysphagia?

Dysphagia is the medical term for swallowing disorders. It comprises any difficulty in getting food or fluids (including saliva) from the mouth to the stomach. Dysphagia is usually a symptom of a health condition and rarely occurs on its own.

Signs and symptoms of dysphagia include:

• Food and fluids/saliva falling out of the mouth
• Food and fluids/saliva pooling in the mouth
• Coughing and choking when eating and drinking
• A wet or “gurgly” voice
• Food and fluids sticking in the throat
• Foods and fluids coming back up into the mouth or nose
• Prolonged mealtimes
• Holding food in the mouth/inability to initiate swallowing
• Chest infections/pneumonia
• Weight loss
• Avoidance of food/fluid types or consistencies.

There are serious consequences of dysphagia. Food or fluids can “go down the wrong way” into the airway and lungs. This is called “aspiration” and can cause chest infection and pneumonia, and in many cases, can lead to poor outcomes and even death.

Dysphagia can also lead to difficulties getting enough food into the stomach, leading to weight loss, malnutrition, muscle wasting and reduced participation and enjoyment in the activities of daily life.

Please see the fact sheets below for more information.