In a definition essay, you explain the meaning of a certain term by giving a detailed description of it, and support your definition with clear examples or facts. Such explanations are needed if a term is special, abstract, disputed or does not have a common meaning.
Dysphagia has many possible causes and happens most frequently in older adults. Any condition that weakens or damages the muscles and nerves used for swallowing may cause dysphagia. For example, people with diseases of the nervous system, such as cerebral palsy or Parkinsonâs disease, often have problems swallowing.
Swallowing disorders are common, especially in the elderly, and may cause dehydration, weight loss, aspiration pneumonia and airway obstruction. These disorders may affect the oral preparatory, oral propulsive, pharyngeal and/or esophageal phases of swallowing.Impaired swallowing, or dysphagia, may occur because of a wide variety of structural or functional conditions, including stroke, cancer, neurologic disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease.A thorough history and a careful physical examination are important in the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders.The physical examination should include the neck, mouth, oropharynx and larynx, and a neurologic examination should also be performed.wallowing is a complex act that involves the coordinated activity of the mouth, pharynx, larynx and esophagus (Figure 1) . A swallow has four phases: oral preparatory, oral propulsive, pharyngeal and esophageal.