Most of us eat and swallow without thinking about what is happening, but swallowing actually is a very complicated process involving the brain, nerves, various muscles, two valves and the esophagus.

The 4 stages of dysphagia range from mild to severe, but no single, universally accepted scale exists. Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing. It occurs when there is a disruption in one or more ...

The trigger sets subsequent events into motion. The soft palate elevates to seal the nasopharynx to prevent regurgitation (velopharyngeal insufficiency [VPI]). The tongue pushes backward to meet the ...

There are many potential reasons for difficulty swallowing. These include acid reflux that leads to irritation of the food pipe (esophagus), different kinds of tumors or scarring of the food pipe, and ...