Signs/Symptoms of Dysphagia

Want to reduce readmissions to the hospital? One of the most common reasons for admission to the hospital among the elderly population is due to complications arising from dysphagia. That is why identifying the signs/symptoms of dysphagia and obtaining diagnostic imaging (DV360-FEES) is so important.

Patients suffering from dysphagia may experience the following:

• Difficulty chewing or initiating a swallow
• Coughing/choking
• Pain while swallowing
• Feeling something “stuck” in the throat
• Food or liquid “coming back up” after swallowing
• Difficulty swallowing pills
• Poor appetite
• Lengthy feeding/meal times
• Weight loss & Malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Drooling
• Holding food in the mouth
• Nasal drainage
• Throat clearing
• Wet/gurgly vocal quality
• Shortness of breath
• Pneumonia
• Severe reflux
• Excessive unmanageable secretions
• Fatigue with meals