HealthInfo Canterbury
Overview of swallowing difficulties
If you feel that food or drink gets stuck in your throat when you swallow, or you cough more than usual when eating or drinking, or it hurts to swallow, it's important to see your GP straight away. Your GP will usually refer you to a specialist to find the cause, as it may be caused by a serious medical problem.
The medical term for swallowing problems is dysphagia.
If you know what's making it difficult to swallow – for example Parkinson disease, the effects of a stroke, or dementia – there are several things you or the person caring for you can do to help. The information on these pages provides general tips and advice. For specific advice, talk to your GP or speech-language therapist.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Alzheimers New Zealand – Eating well
This page gives strategies for ensuring people with dementia get the nutrition they need, despite any eating and swallowing difficulties.
- Motor Neurone Disease Association – Managing saliva problems in MND
This factsheet explains who can help if you have problems with saliva and what medications might be used.
- Parkinson's New Zealand – Parkinson's and swallowing
If swallowing problems are caused by Parkinson disease, this factsheet explains what is causing the changes and how to manage any problems.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed October 2020.
See also:
Review key: HISWD-121957
