Due to a weakness or uncoordinated action of the mouth and throat muscles there is a risk that food or drink may go into the lungs instead of the stomach. Often, swallowing problems, or Dysphagia, reduce the ability to take in enough calories, nutrients and fluids to nourish the body, leading to further complications such as malnutrition and dehydration.

The one common factor is that Dysphagia can become a severe disability, and even fatal, if it is not managed properly. The fact that the airway and oesophagus are connected leads to the risk of food entering the lungs which can lead to pneumonia and infection.

Dysphagia can be serious. Someone who cannot swallow well may not be able to eat enough of the right foods to stay healthy or maintain an ideal weight. Sometimes, when foods or liquids enter the windpipe of a person who has dysphagia, coughing or throat clearing cannot remove it. Food or liquid that stays in the windpipe may enter the lungs and create a chance for harmful bacteria to grow. A serious infection (aspiration pneumonia) can result.

Swallowing disorders may also include the development of a pocket outside the oesophagus caused by weakness in the oesophageal wall. This abnormal pocket traps some food being swallowed. While lying down or sleeping, a person with this problem may draw undigested food into the pharynx. The oesophagus may be too narrow, causing food to stick. This food may prevent other food or even liquids from entering the stomach.

You can find out more about Dysphagia on Wikipedia or read the NHS definition of Dysphagia.