How common is dysphagia?
Dysphagia can be a common condition among people with certain related health conditions. It is estimated that 30-40% of elderly people staying in nursing homes have some degree of dysphagia. Dysphagia is also a common complication of strokes, occurring in an estimated one in every two cases. Prognosis Aside from the obvious risk of malnutrition and dehydration, difficulties with the swallowing reflex mean that there is a chance that small particles of food can drop down into the lungs. That can trigger a serious and possibly fatal lung infection (aspiration pneumonia). See the Complications section for more information about aspiration pneumonia. The recommended treatment for dysphagia will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. However, some possible treatments include: • physical therapy, • diet modification, • surgery, and • the use of feeding tubes.
