Dysfagiens

Dysfagiens is a term that refers to difficulty in swallowing. It is not a disease itself but rather a symptom that can arise from a variety of underlying medical conditions affecting the muscles, nerves, or structures involved in the swallowing process. These conditions can range from neurological disorders such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to structural issues like tumors in the head or neck, or even conditions affecting the esophagus such as strictures or motility disorders.

The act of swallowing is a complex coordination of muscles in the mouth, throat, and esophagus. Dysfagiens can manifest at different stages of this process, making it difficult to initiate a swallow, chew food properly, or move food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. Symptoms can include pain during swallowing, a sensation of food getting stuck, coughing or choking while eating or drinking, frequent throat clearing, or a hoarse voice. In more severe cases, individuals may experience unintended weight loss, dehydration, or recurrent pneumonia due to aspiration, which is when food or liquid enters the airway.

Diagnosis of dysfagiens typically involves a thorough medical history, a physical examination, and often specialized tests such as a videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) or a fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Treatment strategies are tailored to the individual's specific cause and severity of dysfagiens and may include dietary modifications, swallowing therapy exercises, or in some instances, medical or surgical interventions.