What is Dysphagia? Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a
condition that can be brought on by many different causes. And
symptoms can vary widely. Some people with dysphasia may have
minor irritation when swallowing, while others may have
difficulty swallowing liquids alone, certain types of foods, or
even their own saliva. In severe cases, dysphagia can make
swallowing impossible. For people with dysphasia, eating can
become a major and sometimes impossible effort. The condition
can have a major impact on quality of life. And for people who
can’t take in enough calories and fluids to nourish the body and
maintain a healthy weight, dysphasia can become a very serious
problem. How Swallowing Works - Food or drink is taken into the
mouth and pushed by the tongue into the back of the mouth,
toward the upper part of the throat. - The food moves down the
throat as various muscles briefly shut off breathing, direct the
food or drink away from the airway leading to the lungs, and
then guide it into the esophagus.