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

Updated on: Aug 15, 2026

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Caregiver helping an older adult during a safe meal, sitting upright at the table
Latest on Dysphagia

Safe eating for people with dysphagia: what changes day to day

Educational guide to safe eating for people with dysphagia: food and liquid consistency, posture at the table, meal pacing and warning signs during meals.

Aug 13, 2026

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.

Open resource

Protocols

Available

Feeding warning signs protocol

Educational flow to guide when to seek professional assessment.

Open resource
Articles

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

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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.