Download What is Dysphagia? - Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS

What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is the term for swallowing difficulties. Dysphagia can be caused by problems with
the mouth, throat and/or oesophagus (food pipe). People with dysphagia may have difficulty
swallowing foods, fluids and/or their saliva.
A common complication of dysphagia can be if food, fluid or saliva goes down the “wrong way”
entering the windpipe instead of the food pipe, this is known as aspiration. Material can then
enter the lungs and cause a chest infection called aspiration pneumonia. Often people
cough/choke when this happens, however, in some cases food, fluid or saliva can enter the
windpipe/ lungs without any obvious signs, this is known as silent aspiration.
Safe swallowing is extremely important to prevent serious medical problems such as chest
infections, weight loss and dehydration. Speech and Language Therapists work to ensure that
people with swallowing difficulties can eat and drink safely where possible.
You will have been assessed by a Speech and Language Therapist to see what consistency of
food and fluid you can tolerate most safely.
The Speech and Language Therapist’s recommendations should be followed in order
reduce the risk of further medical problems.
Below are some indicators that could signal that you are not managing to swallow safely. If you
notice any of these you should contact your Speech and Language therapist and GP urgently.
Please familiarise yourself with these signs:
 Coughing when eating or drinking.
 Choking on food, drinks or saliva.
 Throat clearing during or after eating or drinking.
 Repeated chest infection.
 Chesty ‘wet/bubbly’ cough.
 Wet/ gurgly voice after eating or drinking.
 Breathlessness after swallowing.
 Change in facial colour whilst eating or drinking.
 Food getting stuck in the mouth or throat.
 Effortful/painful swallowing.
 Inability to finish your meals due to fatigue.
 Unplanned weight loss (you may notice your clothing has become loose).
 Increasing difficulty controlling your saliva.
Contact Details
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your swallowing, you can call the Speech and
Language Therapy Department at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on 01603
287117.
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Review Date: July 2017
Author: Department of Nutrition & Dietetics and Speech & Language Therapy