- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Dysphagia
May also be called: Swallowing Disorder; Deglutition Disorder; Trouble Swallowing
Dysphagia (dis-FAY-gee-uh) is difficulty, pain, or discomfort when swallowing.
More to Know
Muscle movements in the tongue and mouth allow a person to swallow and move food into the throat, or pharynx. From the throat, food travels down a muscular tube in the chest called the esophagus to reach the stomach. If there is a problem with any of the muscles or body parts involved in the swallowing process, it can make swallowing difficult or even impossible. This is known as dysphagia.
Older children and adults can describe the sensations of dysphagia to a doctor, but young babies may only show signs of feeding problems, breathing problems, or drooling between meals. Many conditions can cause dysphagia in a child, including infections, injuries, problems in the nerves or muscles, or problems in the structure or the cells of the digestive tract itself.
Dysphagia is usually the result of another condition, but it can lead to serious complications of its own. People with dysphagia may not be able to eat enough to stay healthy or maintain a healthy weight. Pieces of food that are too large can get stuck and block the airway, making breathing difficult, and liquids that enter the airway can settle in the lungs and lead to a condition called aspiration pneumonia.
Treatment for dysphagia involves treating the underlying cause and any problems that arise. Children may need speech therapy or physical therapy/occupational therapy to strengthen weak facial muscles and improve coordination.
It's also important to learn about foods and ways of eating that make swallowing easier. In some cases, a feeding tube may be used to make sure that someone with dysphagia gets proper nutrition.
Keep in Mind
Dysphagia is almost always a symptom of another condition. Treating that condition will usually help ease the swallowing problems. If dysphagia can’t be cured by treating the underlying cause, changes in eating techniques, a modified diet, or the use of a feeding tube can greatly reduce the risk of complications.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.