What is the term for difficulty swallowing?

The term for difficulty swallowing is dysphagia. This condition can arise from various issues affecting the throat (pharynx), esophagus, or muscle function involved in swallowing. Dysphagia can occur due to neurological disorders, muscle diseases, obstructions, or inflammation. Understanding this term is important for healthcare professionals, as it can significantly affect a person's nutrition and overall health.

Dysphasia refers to a language disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate, while aphasia pertains to difficulty in understanding or producing language, typically due to brain damage. Esophagitis is the inflammation of the esophagus, which can lead to swallowing difficulties but is not the term specifically used for that difficulty itself. Therefore, identifying dysphagia correctly highlights its role in assessments and interventions related to swallowing problems.