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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/swallowingdisorders.html

Swallowing Disorders

Also called: Dysphagia

Summary

If you have a swallowing disorder, you may have difficulty or pain when swallowing. Some people cannot swallow at all. Others may have trouble swallowing liquids, foods, or saliva. This makes it hard to eat. Often, it can be difficult to take in enough calories and fluids to nourish your body.

Anyone can have a swallowing disorder, but it is more common in older adults. It often happens because of other conditions, including:

Medicines can help some people, while others may need surgery. Swallowing treatment with a speech-language pathologist can help. You may find it helpful to change your diet or hold your head or neck in a certain way when you eat. In very serious cases, people may need feeding tubes.

NIH: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

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  • Globus (International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders)

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The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.