Various medical conditions, disorders, or surgical interventions can lead to swallowing difficulties. Common signs and symptoms associated with dysphagia include:
- Pain while swallowing
- Inability to swallow certain foods or liquids
- Sensation of food being stuck in the throat or chest
- Excessive saliva in the mouth
- Hoarseness or changes in voice after eating or drinking, including a “wet” sounding voice
- Regurgitation of food back into the mouth
- Frequent reflux of bitter liquid, acid, or stomach contents into the mouth
- Unexpected weight loss
- Coughing or gagging during eating or drinking
- Avoiding certain foods or breaking food into very small pieces due to fear of choking
- Recurrent pneumonia after oral feeding