What Causes Pharyngeal Dysphagia

Pharyngeal dysphagia — the problem is in the throat. Issues in the throat are often caused by a neurological problem that affects the nerves (such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Esophageal dysphagia (low dysphagia) — the problem is in the esophagus.

What is pharyngeal dysphagia?

Pharyngeal dysphagia refers to problems in the throat during swallowing. Dysphagia may lead to aspiration (where food or liquid gets into the lungs). Dysphagia can affect a person at any age, from infants to the elderly.

What are signs of pharyngeal dysphagia?

• Coughing or choking with swallowing.
• Difficulty initiating swallowing.
• Food sticking in the throat.
• Sialorrhea.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Change in dietary habits.
• Recurrent pneumonia.
• Change in voice or speech (wet voice)