Via practica 2/2007

Diagnostics and treatment of a patient with difficulty in swallowing

Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) is common among all age groups, especially the elderly. The term dysphagia refers to difficult swallowing or the feeling of difficulty passing food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. This may be caused by many factors, most of which are temporary and not threatening. Difficulties in swallowing rarely represent a more serious disease, such as a tumor or a progressive neurological disorder. Dysphagia is frequent after major surgeries or radiation treatment in the head and neck region. Specialists dealing with dysphagia are able to diagnose the problem with special diagnostic methods as modified baryum swallow or feeS. According to the findings specific terapy is administrated.

Keywords: swallowing act, aspiration, dysphagia