Why Does This Person Have Dysphagia?

Abstract

Individuals of advanced age may have multiple medical conditions that contribute to their dysphagia symptoms; these cases can present diagnostic challenges for the clinician. To develop an appropriate treatment plan, the clinician must use a swallowing assessment that first identifies all of the factors that could contribute to the individual's dysphagia. In this article, we will discuss the importance of the clinician's having a thorough understanding of the individual's medical history and examine several medical conditions that may contribute to dysphagia symptoms.