Dysfagiaksi

Dysfagiaksi is a Finnish term that translates to dysphagia in English. Dysphagia refers to difficulty in swallowing. It can affect any part of the swallowing process, from the mouth to the stomach. This condition can lead to a range of problems, including choking, aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway), malnutrition, dehydration, and pneumonia.

The causes of dysphagia are diverse and can include neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It can also result from physical obstructions in the esophagus, like tumors or strictures, or from muscle weakness or coordination issues related to aging or certain diseases. Head and neck cancers and their treatments can also cause dysphagia.

Diagnosis typically involves a medical history, physical examination, and sometimes instrumental assessments like a videofluoroscopic swallow study or a fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing. Treatment strategies are tailored to the underlying cause and severity of the dysphagia. They may include dietary modifications, swallowing exercises, or in some cases, medical or surgical interventions. Speech-language pathologists often play a key role in the assessment and management of dysphagia.