Dysphagia or Swallowing disorders means difficulty with feeding or swallowing. It includes difficulties in any system of the swallowing process (i.e. oral, pharyngeal, esophageal), as well as functional dysphagia and feeding disorders. Swallowing disorders can occur at any age, from infant to the elderly and can stem from multiple causes (ex. Cleft Palate, Gastroesophageal disorder, prematurity, sensory problems, stroke, and TBI etc.). Some of the signs and symptoms of feeding and swallowing problems include difficulty coordinating sucking, swallowing and breathing while bottle feeding or drinking from a cup or straw, coughing, choking, gagging, trouble chewing, sensation of food being stuck in mouth and / or a history of pneumonia.
