Introduction to dysphagia

Question 1

Scott’s definition of dysphagia?

Answer 1

Difficulty in swallowing from the time food/liquids enter the oral cavity to the time it enters the stomach.

Question 2

Odynophagia

Answer 2

Pain with swallowing

Question 3

Phagophobia

Answer 3

Fear of swallowing

Question 4

Xerostomia

Answer 4

Dry mouth

Question 5

Edentulous

Answer 5

Lacking dentition (no teeth or dentures)

Question 6

Cachexia

Answer 6

Significant loss of appetite in someone who is not actively trying to lose weight

Question 7

On average, we swallow ___ times a day

Answer 7

2,000

Question 8

We use __ pairs of muscles to swallow

Answer 8

31

Question 9

__% of individuals with dysphagia are not entirely aware of the extent of the problem

Answer 9

70

Question 10

__% of elderly persons find some difficulty in swallowing.

Answer 10

45

Question 11

__% of individuals in residential or nursing homes find some difficulty in swallowing

Answer 11

65

Question 12

According to Bloem et al. 1990, dysphagia was NOT related to what (3)? What were better indicators?

Answer 12

age, sex, or MMSE score. (mini mental state exam)

Disorders of CNS & esophageal stenosis more of an indicator.

Question 13

What did Kayser-Jones et al. 1999 discover about referrals for dysphagia evaluations?

Answer 13

Only 22% of patients in XX facility were referred for a dysphagia eval.

Question 14

Explain the difference between a feeding disorder and a swallowing disorder.

Answer 14

Feeding: Placement of food in the mouth. Occupational Therapists deal w/ this.
Swallowing: Begins once food enters the mouth. Usually SLPs deal w/ this.
*In pediatrics, there is a gray area. Some OTs include the oral phases as part of “Feeding”.

Question 15

List the dysphagia research areas (3)

Answer 15

Normal Physiology

Disordered Physiology

Evaluation and Treatment

Question 16

Explain the difference between a dysphagia Screening vs. Evaluation

Answer 16

Screening: Identifies signs and symptoms of dysphagia. The outcome should be whether to proceed to an evaluation or not. “Problem or not?”
Evaluation: Defines anatomy and physiology. The outcome includes formal recommendations.

Question 17

Describe the 3 oz water test

Answer 17

Individuals are required to drink 3 ounces of water without interruption. Those who stop, cough, choke, or show a wet-hoarse voice quality during the test or for one minute afterward are considered to have failed. Failure = referral for dysphagia eval.

Question 18

What are some signs/symptoms of dysphagia (7)?

Answer 18

Leakage of food/secretions out of mouth
Pocketing of food
Coughing at meals
Throat clearing
Wet voice quality during meals
Report of food “sticking”
Watery eyes while eating

Question 19

What are some Complications of Dysphagia (7)?

Answer 19

Weight loss
Poor nutrition
Chest infection
Pneumonia
Choking
More likely to require Heimlich Maneuver
Death