dysphagia
Definition
- Noun:
- A medical condition characterized by difficulty or pain when swallowing: Dysphagia refers to the sensation of food or liquids being hindered in their passage from the mouth to the stomach. It is a symptom, not a disease itself, and can indicate various underlying health issues.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The patient's dysphagia made it difficult for her to eat solid foods.
- After his stroke, he developed dysphagia and required a modified diet.
- Persistent dysphagia is a reason to consult a doctor for evaluation.
Advanced Usage
"Oropharyngeal dysphagia": Difficulty in the initial phase of swallowing, involving the mouth and throat (pharynx). This type is often related to neurological or muscular problems.
- Parkinson's disease can cause oropharyngeal dysphagia.
"Esophageal dysphagia": The sensation that food is stuck in the base of the throat or chest after swallowing has begun. This type is often related to problems with the esophagus itself.
- A narrowing of the esophagus, or stricture, is a common cause of esophageal dysphagia.
Variants and Related Words
Dysphagic (adj): Relating to or suffering from dysphagia.
- The dysphagic patient was referred to a speech-language pathologist.
Odynophagia (n): A related but distinct condition meaning pain during swallowing.
- While dysphagia is difficulty swallowing, odynophagia specifically refers to painful swallowing.
Synonyms
- Swallowing difficulty: A plain-language synonym.
- Deglutition disorder: A more formal, clinical term.
Antonyms
- Euphagia: (A rare, technical term) Normal, easy swallowing.
Noun
-
condition in which swallowing is difficult or painful
