Complications

Difficulty swallowing can lead to:

• Malnutrition, weight loss and dehydration. Dysphagia can make it difficult to take in enough nourishment and fluids.
• Aspiration pneumonia. Food or liquid entering the airway during attempts to swallow can cause aspiration pneumonia as a result of the food introducing bacteria into the lungs.
• Choking. Food stuck in the throat can cause choking. If food completely blocks the airway and no one intervenes with a successful Heimlich maneuver, death can occur.