We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Oropharyngeal Dysphagia?

By Deneatra Harmon
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,669
Share

Medical resources define dysphagia in general as difficulty with swallowing. Oropharyngeal dysphagia occurs when food has difficulty traveling from the mouth or throat to the upper esophagus. Other medical conditions and lifestyle factors often cause oropharyngeal dysphagia, and signs and symptoms tend to cause difficulty with eating as well as embarrassment for the patient. Treatment largely depends on the severity of the dysphagia.

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is not necessarily considered to be a disease, but refers to the medical condition that affects the throat and mouth. Patients with this swallowing disorder reportedly experience a sensation of food clinging to the chest or throat, rather than moving into the esophagus and then emptying into the stomach. According to experts, oropharyngeal dysphagia happens as a result of abnormalities in or near the esophagus, which may have developed from other medical conditions or diseases. This swallowing malfunction commonly occurs in patients older than age 50, but patients of all ages can develop the condition.

Causes of dysphagia derive from other medical conditions or lifestyle habits. Some medications, excessive smoking, and alcohol may wear on the esophagus and cause swallowing disorders over time. Tumors of the mouth or throat, narrowing of the esophagus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) often cause oropharyngeal dysphagia, while cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and other muscular diseases may cause swallowing problems in the mouth and throat. Additional causes of dysphagia result from the patient having Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or other neurological disorders.

Besides problems with swallowing, symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia may pose discomfort as well as embarrassment. Some signs of the disorder include coughing while swallowing food or drinks, choking or difficulty breathing during meals, and vomiting liquid through the nose because of problems with passing food normally through to the digestive system. Drooling, constant clearing of the throat, and general discomfort can be problematic. A patient with this oral form of dysphagia may take longer than usual to chew food, or may repeatedly swallow by habit. Weight loss, malnutrition, or dehydration may also result because of improperly-digested food.

Following testing and diagnosis, the doctor may treat oropharyngeal dysphagia through a variety of methods. Medication may be prescribed to control the problem. The patient may also be trained by a speech pathologist, who teaches new and safe ways of swallowing food. The doctor may also recommend rehabilitation such as muscle, coordination, and strength exercises to help the patient retrain on chewing and swallowing without choking or regurgitating. For severe cases of dysphagia, the doctor may administer surgery to correct oral functioning.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-oropharyngeal-dysphagia.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.