Feeding and swallowing problems are common. They can happen to people of all ages and have a big effect on a person’s health and quality of life.

If feeding and swallowing problems go on without treatment, they can lead to serious health concerns, such as not getting enough nutrition (malnutrition) or pneumonia.

This information is about feeding and swallowing problems in adults. To learn more about feeding and swallowing problems in children, visit Pediatric Eating and Swallowing (PEAS).

Feeding problems

Reasons a person may have problems feeding themself safely and easily include:

• They have a medical condition that affects their strength, stamina, coordination, or mental health. Examples of conditions include those that affect the brain or nervous system like stroke, cerebral palsy, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. Other conditions are related to age, such as being very frail (having a weak body).
• They can’t sit or stand in a good position to feed.
• They are sedated (very calm, relaxed, sleepy) because of medicine or are not alert.
• They are in a place with lots of distractions.
• They have trouble accessing food and drink. For example, if a hospital tray is out of reach or adaptive utensils aren’t available.

Dysphagia (swallowing problems)

Swallowing problems are called dysphagia (dis-FAY-juh). It can have many causes, including the following:

• a disease or injury that affects the brain or nervous system, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or dementia
• developmental difficulties, such as cerebral palsy or autism
• changes in the shape or function of the face, jaw, mouth, tongue, neck, or salivary glands, because of things like cancer, surgery, tooth loss or aging
• breathing disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema
• a mental health condition
• some medicines with side effects that can affect swallowing

Dysphagia symptoms

People with dysphagia may have some of the following symptoms:

Health and social problems and dysphagia

Dysphagia can lead to health problems, including:

• food or liquid going into the lungs (aspiration)
• chest infections that lead to lung problems or pneumonia
• the airway becoming blocked
• not getting enough nutrients (malnutrition)
• not getting enough liquids (dehydration)
• slowed growth and development

Dysphagia can also lead to issues with well-being, such as:

• stress for the person and their caregiver
• becoming socially isolated
• poor quality of life

Assessment and treatment

The following healthcare providers can help with feeding and swallowing problems:

• speech-language pathologist
• occupational therapist
• registered dietitian

They will check for problems with feeding and swallowing and offer education, counselling, and advice on how to manage any problems. They may recommend changing what you eat and drink, strategies to make feeding and swallowing safer, and treatment exercises.

Your healthcare team may also include doctors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers. You may get a referral to a specialist if you need one.

Your healthcare team will check your progress and update your treatment plan as you go. Be sure to ask them any questions you have and let them know if you have concerns.

Learn more

• Dysphagia
• Are you or someone you love experiencing difficulty swallowing?
• Let’s talk about swallowing disorders
• Helping your loved one eat comfortably at the end of life
• Stroke awareness—SAC
• Pediatric Eating and Swallowing (PEAS)

Where to get help

Speech-language pathologists can help with feeding and swallowing concerns, as well as concerns with speech and language.

Ask your healthcare provider or visit Pediatric Rehabilitation (for children) or Adult Community Rehabilitation to learn more.​