Feeding disorders occur when someone has problems getting food or liquids into their mouth and/or chewing. It may or may not include problems with swallowing.
Swallowing disorders, also called dysphagia (dis-FAY-juh), occur when someone has trouble
- managing food or drink after it’s been put into the mouth and
- moving it through the throat, to the esophagus (“food tube”), and into the stomach.
Feeding and swallowing difficulties can cause significant worry for both individuals experiencing the issue and their caregivers. These difficulties can range from mild discomfort to serious health risks, impacting the ability to eat, drink, and even manage saliva. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and potential treatments is crucial for addressing these concerns.
These disorders can manifest in various ways, impacting articulation, fluency, voice, and the ability to use language effectively.
What are the Worries?
- Choking and Aspiration: The most immediate concern is the risk of choking or inhaling food or liquid into the lungs (aspiration), which can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory problems.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Difficulty swallowing can lead to inadequate food and fluid intake, potentially causing malnutrition and weight loss.
- Fear and Anxiety: Individuals with dysphagia may develop anxiety around mealtimes, leading to avoidance of certain foods or even a fear of eating altogether.
- Social Impact: Swallowing difficulties can affect social interactions, making it challenging to eat with others or participate in social events involving food.
- Psychological Impact: The frustration and anxiety associated with swallowing problems can have a significant psychological impact, affecting mood, self-esteem, and overall well-being.
