[Oral and pharyngeal dysphagia]. / Oropharyngeale Dysphagien.

ABSTRACT

A severe impairment of nutrition frequently occurs with morphological alterations in the oral cavity and the pharynx as well as with neurogenic disorders of the swallowing articulation. Complications like frequent aspirations are life-threatening. If the natural protection reflex for the respiratory tract, the cough reflex, does not work because of a reduced tracheal sensitivity, swallowing disorders often remain unrecognized. The ability of swallowing must be examined particularly with stroke-patients and weakened old patients. With radiological and endoscopic evaluations, oropharyngeal dysphagias can be assessed in detail. A wide spectrum of surgical measures and exercise treatment can clearly improve the life quality of the patients even if the aim, to make a complete and safe oral nutrition possible again, is not reached in every case.