Many of the physiological processes otherwise taken for granted is affected to varying degrees with age. Swallowing is among one of these processes that can eventually be problematic or difficult for an older person. It may not affect every senior but difficulty with swallowing is among the more common age related problems. The medical term for any difficulty with swallowing is dysphagia. It should not be confused with another swallowing disorder which is known as odynophagia – painful swallowing.
In the elderly, swallowing problems greatly affects normal nutrition thereby leading to a host of complications which adversely affect one’s health. It should not be assumed that any difficulty swallowing with age is the norm – some of the causes can be very serious and even potentially fatal. In many cases with the elderly though, the difficulty is not actually with swallowing but proper chewing that ultimately causes swallowing problems. It is therefore imperative to differentiate with chewing and swallowing problems.
