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Dysphagia - Coggle Diagram
Dysphagia
1. What is Dysphagia?
Definition: Dysphagia is the subjective feeling of difficulty swallowing. It is a symptom of an underlying problem, not a standalone disease.
Normal vs. Pathological: Mild swallowing changes due to normal aging are called presbyphagia. True dysphagia is caused by health conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or severe muscle loss (sarcopenia).
Why it Matters: It is dangerous because it can cause malnutrition, dehydration, and life-threatening lung infections (aspiration pneumonia).
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4. Types & Causes
Oropharyngeal (High) Dysphagia: A problem occurring in any of the first three phases (mouth and upper throat).
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Key Causes:
Age-related: Dry mouth (xerostomia), lower muscle tone, and delayed swallowing reflexes.
Neurological: Stroke, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer's.
Other: Esophageal strictures (narrowing), acid reflux (GERD), and medication side effects.
5. Main Signs & Symptoms
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Drooling, food leaking, or food feeling "stuck" in the throat.
Warning Signs: Sudden onset after a stroke, unexplained fevers, or a patient's fear/refusal to eat.
6. How it is Diagnosed
Bedside Screening: Done by nurses using 1 teaspoon of water to check for coughing/throat clearing. Screening tools like GUSS or EAT-10 are also used.
Advanced Tests: Done by specialists using imaging technology, such as Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies (VFSS) or Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation (FEES).
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