Dysphagia is a problem with swallowing. Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a problem that involves the mouth and the pharynx. The pharynx is the part of the throat behind the mouth.
Mouth and ThroatCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
This problem may be caused by:
This problem is more common in older adults. Other things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
Common problems are:
You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
The ability to swallow may be tested. This can be done with:
Swallowing structures may need to be viewed. This can be done with:
Any underlying causes will need to be treated. Therapy may be needed to learn exercises and techniques to improve swallowing. Dietary changes may also be needed, such as eating softer foods.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
https://www.asha.org
Dysphagia Research Society
https://dysphagiaresearch.site-ym.com
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
https://www.heartandstroke.ca
Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologist
https://www.osla.on.ca
Dysphagia. Cedars-Sinai website. Available at: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/d/dyphagia.html. Accessed August 13, 2018.
Dysphagia. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/esophageal-and-swallowing-disorders/dysphagia. Accessed August 20, 2021.
Oropharyngeal dysphagia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/oropharyngeal-dysphagia. Accessed August 20, 2021.
Swallowing disorders in adults. American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association website. Available at: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/swallowing/Swallowing-Disorders-in-Adults. Accessed August 20, 2021.
Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board James Cornell, MD