Difficulty swallowing is medically known as what?

• A. Digestion
• B. Disinfection
• C. Dirty linen
• D. Dysphagia

Answer: (D)

Difficulty swallowing is called dysphagia. The other terms refer to unrelated processes or items: digestion is the body's way of breaking down food, disinfection means cleaning to kill germs, and dirty linen is soiled laundry. Dysphagia can occur after strokes, brain injuries, or with aging, and it raises the risk of food or liquid entering the airway and causing aspiration or pneumonia. In caregiving, notice signs such as coughing or choking during meals, a wet or gurgly voice after swallowing, or pocketing food in the cheeks. To keep people safe, ensure they are seated upright during meals, feed slowly with small amounts, and follow any texture or liquid-thickness recommendations from the care team. Stay with them during eating and report any new or worsening swallowing problems promptly so the care plan can be adjusted.