[Update oropharyngeal dysphagia part 1: Physiology, pathology and diagnosis]

Abstract

Swallowing is a complex mechanism with many muscles and nerves needed. If this is disturbed, oropharyngeal dysphagia may be caused, especially in the elderly. There is a wide range of causes. Where oral feeding is sufficiently impaired then this route may have to be bypassed by percutaneous enteral gastostomy. Evaluation of swallowing is usually done with a fiberoptic or 90-degree optic. Individual needs must be addressed, usually, and best, by a multidisciplinary team.