Knowledge Center

Dysphagia

Clinical center about swallowing difficulty, aspiration risk, safe feeding and educational screening for signs associated with dysphagia.

Choking Coughing while eating Throat clearing Voice change Fatigue during meals
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Overview

Swallowing, choking, safe feeding and warning signs.

Clinical relevance

Dysphagia may affect hydration, nutrition, eating safety and respiratory complication risk. Recognizing early signs helps patients, caregivers and professionals decide when to seek specialized assessment.

Signs and symptoms

  • Coughing or choking during meals.
  • Feeling that food is stuck in the throat.
  • Wet voice after eating.
  • Weight loss or recurrent pneumonia.

Related conditions

Stroke Parkinson disease Alzheimer disease Frailty in aging Neuromuscular diseases
Assessments

Clinical assessments

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Available

Dysphagia Screening

Educational questionnaire for signs of swallowing difficulty.

Purpose: Support initial identification of signs that justify professional assessment.

Interpretation: An altered result is not a diagnosis; it indicates the need for professional guidance.

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Guides

Available

Complete dysphagia guide

Complete educational guide to signs, risks, safe eating, screening and when to seek assessment.

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Protocols

Model

Feeding warning signs protocol

Educational flow to guide when to seek professional assessment.

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Downloads

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Articles

Related articles

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Health professional supporting a person after stroke with safe swallowing guidance
Dysphagia

Dysphagia after stroke: signs, risks and safe care

Learn why dysphagia can happen after stroke, signs to watch for, aspiration risk, swallowing assessment and educational care steps for families and caregivers.

Read article
Health professional guiding an older adult about difficulty swallowing and dysphagia signs
Dysphagia

Dysphagia: symptoms, causes, aspiration risk and when to seek help

A complete guide to difficulty swallowing, warning signs, causes, aspiration, assessment, treatment options and when to seek care.

Read article

FAQ

Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing saliva, liquids, foods or medicines.

Seek assessment if there is frequent choking, coughing during meals, weight loss, fever, pneumonia or voice changes after eating.

No. Screening is educational and does not replace diagnosis or professional care decisions.

References

  • Torres ACM. Rastreamento da Disfagia Orofaríngea: Desenvolvimento de uma Interface Tecnológica. UFBA, 2023.
  • Aguiar IVC. DisfagiaAPP: Aplicativo Multiplataforma para auxílio no rastreamento de risco da Disfagia Orofaríngea. IFBA, 2022.