Dysphagia is a term used to describe difficulty with which body function?

• A. Hearing
• B. Swallowing
• C. Vision
• D. Breathing

Answer: (B)

Dysphagia means trouble with swallowing. It refers to difficulty moving food, liquids, or saliva from the mouth through the throat and into the esophagus. This function is separate from hearing, vision, or breathing, though safe swallowing requires coordinating breathing with the swallow to avoid choking or aspiration. Dysphagia can come from aging, nerve or muscle problems, stroke, or structural issues in the throat or esophagus. For caregivers, recognize signs like coughing during meals, taking longer to eat, or coughing after swallowing, which may indicate swallowing safety needs and adjustments in how meals are given.