Roughly 18 million Americans have soreness or difficulty while swallowing.
Severe swallowing disorders require long-term rehabilitation or surgery. Mild swallowing problems — although easier to treat — still may affect your quality of life.
At the UPMC Swallowing Disorders Center, we treat both severe and mild swallowing conditions.
Risks of Untreated Swallowing Disorders
If dysphagia — the medical term for swallowing issues — goes untreated, it may lead to severe problems such as:
- Aspiration pneumonia — an infection that may result from food or liquid entering the lungs
- Chronic bronchitis
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Pulmonary fibrosis
Causes of Swallowing Disorders and Nutrition Issues
Swallowing disorders and related nutrition issues can be the result of:
| Side effects of medical treatments |
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| Surgery |
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| Certain medical conditions |
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| Chronic nervous system disorders |
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| Autoimmune disorders |
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| Aging |
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