Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a swallowing disorder involving dysfunction in both the oral and pharyngeal phases, impairing the safe and efficient movement of a bolus from the mouth to the esophagus. It often presents with symptoms such as coughing, choking, nasal regurgitation, and a sensation of food sticking in the throat. Underlying causes include neurologic conditions (e.g., stroke, Parkinson’s disease), structural abnormalities, or muscular weakness due to aging or neuromuscular disease. The condition is clinically distinct from esophageal dysphagia, as it typically results in immediate airway protection failures during or shortly after the swallow.
Speech-language pathologists play a central role in evaluating oropharyngeal dysphagia through clinical and instrumental assessments, such as videofluoroscopic swallow studies. Intervention strategies may include therapeutic swallowing exercises, bolus modification, and compensatory techniques to minimize aspiration risk and promote adequate nutrition.
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