Symptoms of Dysphagia
- Coughing or choking during eating or drinking
- Difficulty chewing solid food
- Prolonged or inefficient chewing
- Reported sensation of food sticking in the mouth or throat
- Food residue left in the mouth or throat after swallowing
- Speaking with a wet-gurgly-voice (a voice quality marked by liquid or mucus presence in the throat) after eating or drinking
- Difficulty managing oral secretions
- Frequent throat clearing while eating or drinking
- Refusing food
- Weight loss or inadequate weight gain
- Frequent occurrence of pneumonia or upper respiratory infections; both are the leading symptoms of silent aspiration.
If your loved one demonstrates any of these symptoms while eating after a brain injury, please seek a medical evaluation for swallowing.
(Dated Jan 3, 2020)
