Dysphagia – Complications

Transcript

What are some of the complications associated with dysphagia? Well, we know dysphagia can lead to chronic malnutrition, weight loss and dehydration and difficulty swallowing can make it difficult to take in adequate nourishment and fluids. Aspiration pneumonia can occur if food or liquid enters the lung or the airway when you’re trying to swallow, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia. Because food can introduce particles that can block the lungs and bacteria. People can choke. Food can get stuck in the throat or in the chest. If incompletely digested food gets stuck there and no one intervenes, that can actually lead to death. Quality of life is also a major issue with people who have dysphagia. People can lose the enjoyment of eating. They can become socially withdrawn because of their swallowing issues. All of which can contribute to psychological problems and depression.