Dysphagia (Ear, Nose & Throat)
Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. Dysphasia is usually a sign that there is a problem with your esophagus, the muscular tube that moves food and liquids from the back of your mouth to your stomach. If dysphagia is severe, you may not be able to take in enough fluids and calories to stay healthy. In severe cases, even saliva is difficult to swallow. Complications may include aspiration pneumonia (when food or liquids are pulled into your lungs), malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss and airway blockage.
Anyone can have dysphagia, but it is more common in older adults, babies and people who have brain or nervous system conditions.