Difficulty swallowing

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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Difficulty swallowing can lead to:

  • Malnutrition and dehydration. Dysphagia can make it difficult for you to take in enough food and fluids to stay adequately nourished. People with difficulty swallowing are at risk of malnutrition and dehydration.
  • Respiratory problems. If food or liquid enters your airway (aspiration) as you attempt to swallow, respiratory problems or infections can occur, such as frequent bouts of pneumonia or upper respiratory infections.
Preparing for your appointment Risk factors
References
  1. Dysphagia. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/dysph.asp. Accessed Aug. 1, 2009.
  2. Fass R. Approach to the patient with dysphagia. http://www.uptodate.com/index/home.html. Accessed July 30, 2009.
  3. Dysphagia. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec02/ch012/ch012b.html. Accessed July 30, 2009.
  4. Goyal RK. Dysphagia. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2888607. Accessed Aug. 3, 2009.
  5. Feeding and swallowing disorders in children. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. http://www.asha.org/public/speech/swallowing/FeedSwallowChildren.htm. Accessed Aug. 1, 2009.
  6. Swallowing trouble. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/swallowingTrouble.cfm. Accessed Aug. 1, 2009.
  7. Barrett KE. Esophageal Motility. In: Barrett KE. Gastrointestinal Physiology. New York, N.Y.: Lange Medical/McGraw Hill Medical; 2006. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2307248. Accessed Aug. 3, 2009.
  8. Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. Aug. 13, 2009.

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Oct. 10, 2009

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