Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing, and it affects about 30% of adults over 65 (according to McMaster University). It is not a disease itself, but a symptom of other health problems such as stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, lung disease, or cancer.

When swallowing does not work properly, food, liquid, or pills can go down the “wrong way” into the airway instead of the stomach, causing coughing, choking, or a serious lung infection called aspiration pneumonia. Sometimes this happens silently, without coughing, but you may feel unusually tired, short of breath, or unwell during or after meals. Food or liquid can also remain stuck in the throat after swallowing, which may feel uncomfortable and later slip into the airway.

Over time, people with dysphagia may eat and drink less, leading to poor nutrition, weakness, and unhealthy weight loss. Eating can become painful or frightening, which may cause people to avoid social meals and feel isolated.

If you notice swallowing problems in yourself or a loved one, ask your doctor for a referral to a speech-language pathologist. These professionals, along with occupational therapists and dietitians, can provide strategies and supports to make swallowing safer and meals more enjoyable.

By Diane Alavie, BScPhm