[Deglutition disorders--simple to diagnose and difficult to treat?]. / Schluckstörungen--einfach zu diagnostizieren und schwierig zu behandeln?

ABSTRACT

The swallowing sequence can be disturbed by different structural and neurological disorders especially in its oral and pharyngeal phases. Beside the suffering from the loss of a basic physical function dysphagia causes life-threatening complications as malnutrition, pneumonia or the blockage of the airways. In general radiographic and endoscopic evaluations provide sufficient information about the specific pathology of a case of dysphagia so that an individual treatment plan with surgery, behavioral therapy and prosthetic aids can be formulated. The aim of treatment is to regain a save and as complete as possible an oral nutrition. Dysphagia is often not detected when patients have impaired cognitive abilities or communication disorders.