Dysphagia
Dysphagia is difficulty moving food, liquid or saliva safely from the mouth to the stomach. It makes eating slow and unpleasant, and when material enters the airway it becomes a risk to the lungs.
What it is
Swallowing is a rapid, coordinated sequence in which the larynx closes to protect the airway while food passes behind it. Dysphagia can arise in the mouth and throat (oropharyngeal dysphagia) or in the oesophagus. The throat is where voice and swallowing meet, and where a voice and swallowing institute can help most.
Symptoms
- coughing or choking while eating or drinking
- food or tablets sticking in the throat
- a wet or gurgly voice after swallowing
- recurrent chest infections
- weight loss, or meals taking much longer
Causes
Stroke, Parkinson's disease, ALS and other neurological conditions; treatment for head and neck cancer; vocal fold paralysis; cricopharyngeal dysfunction and Zenker's diverticulum; and age-related change.
How it is diagnosed
An instrumented assessment shows what is actually happening during the swallow. FEES views it through a thin endoscope; videofluoroscopy shows the whole swallow on moving X-ray. The result guides treatment.
Treatment
Swallowing therapy, targeted exercises and changes to food texture help many patients. Specific causes may need a procedure. The full pathway is described in the Swallowing Program.
Medically reviewed by
Associate Professor Necati Enver, MD
Laryngologist · Founder and Director, Istanbul Voice Center · Reviewed September 2026
General information only. It does not replace an individual assessment. Medical disclaimer
Frequently asked questions
What are the warning signs of a swallowing problem?
Coughing or choking during meals, food sticking in the throat, a wet or gurgly voice after swallowing, recurrent chest infections, and weight loss or taking much longer to eat.
Who should assess dysphagia?
Problems in the throat, the oropharyngeal phase, are assessed by a laryngologist and a speech and language therapist with instrumented tests. Food sticking lower down, behind the breastbone, may need gastroenterological assessment as well.
Is difficulty swallowing ever urgent?
Yes. Progressive difficulty swallowing solids, weight loss, or food completely unable to pass needs prompt assessment.
Need a specialist voice or laryngeal evaluation?
Tell us briefly what is happening. We reply with the next step, usually within one business day.