Dysphagia

Dysphagia is the general term for any disorder causing difficulty swallowing. Dysphagia is more common in the elderly. People with dysphagia may be required to eat foods of altered texture, such as soft/moist, chopped, or pureed foods; or liquids might be required to be thickened to allow slower transit. A variety of medical difficulties can cause dysphagia, including stroke, degenerative neurological diseases (e.g., Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease), reflux disease, and esophageal achalasia. One of the most serious possible complications from dysphagia is aspiration pneumonia, caused by the ingestion of liquids or foods in to the lungs.