Swallowing Problems (Dysphagia)

What is dysphagia?

• Dysphagia is a problem with swallowing
• You may have problems swallowing food, drink or tablets

What happens when you have dysphagia?

When food or drink is in your mouth you may have problems with:

• Holding food and drink in your mouth
• Chewing
• Moving food and drink to the back of your mouth
• Clearing food and drink from your cheeks

When food or drink is in your throat you may have problems with:

• Coughing or choking
• Food or drink coming out your nose
• Food getting stuck in your throat

When food or drink is in your food pipe you may have problems with:

• Heartburn
• Reflux

What can happen because of dysphagia?

• Food or drink going into the airway instead of the food pipe
• Chest infections
• Dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Choking
• Weight loss
• Hospital stays
• Avoiding food and drink
• What causes dysphagia?
• Damage to the part of the brain that controls swallowing
• Surgery to the mouth, throat, spine, head or brain
• Cancer of the mouth, throat, head or neck
• Breathing problems