June is Dysphagia Awareness Month, a time to shed light on a condition that affects millions but is often misunderstood. During the month of June 2025, I shared 30 facts about dysphagia on my social media.

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can have serious consequences for health and quality of life. Whether you’re a Speech-Language Pathologist, a healthcare provider, a caregiver, or someone living with dysphagia, raising awareness is the first step toward better outcomes.

Below are 30 key facts about dysphagia that I shared, each expanded to provide helpful context and practical takeaways.

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1. Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. Swallowing is a complex process involving many muscles and nerves. Dysphagia occurs when any part of that system breaks down, making eating and drinking difficult or unsafe.

2. Dysphagia affects approximately 1 in 25 adults in the U.S. every year. That’s over 9 million people annually—more common than many realize, especially in aging populations.

3. Dysphagia isn’t a disease itself—it’s a symptom of an underlying condition. Conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, ALS, and head and neck cancer can all lead to dysphagia.

4. There are two main types of dysphagia: oropharyngeal and esophageal. Oropharyngeal dysphagia involves difficulty in the mouth or throat, while esophageal dysphagia involves difficulty moving food down the esophagus.

5. Common signs of dysphagia include coughing during meals, wet vocal quality, weight loss, frequent respiratory issues such as pneumonia and throat clearing. These symptoms should never be ignored and warrant further assessment by an SLP.

6. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are the primary professionals who assess and treat dysphagia. SLPs use clinical evaluations and instrumental tools such as FEES or MBSS to diagnose swallowing difficulties and create individualized treatment plans.

7. Dysphagia can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia. When not managed properly, dysphagia can cause serious medical complications and increase hospital readmission rates.

8. Aspiration occurs when food or liquid enters the airway instead of the esophagus. This can happen with or without a cough response, which is why instrumental assessment is so critical.

9. FEES and MBSS are gold-standard tools for assessing dysphagia. Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) and Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS) allow clinicians to see what’s happening inside the swallow and to determine appropriate treatment plans.

10. Some people silently aspirate, meaning they don’t show obvious signs like coughing. Silent aspiration can be especially dangerous because it can go unnoticed without instrumental evaluation.

11. Thickened liquids can help slow down the swallow to improve safety. They can be beneficial for some, but they are not suitable for everyone and can reduce fluid intake.

12. Swallowing involves over 30 muscles and several cranial nerves. It’s one of the most complex neuromuscular functions we perform.

13. People with dementia are at increased risk for dysphagia. Cognitive decline can impair the coordination needed for safe swallowing, even when physical strength remains.

14. Postural techniques like chin tuck or head turn can help. These simple strategies can redirect bolus flow and reduce aspiration risk when used appropriately. These strategies should not be recommended without seeing them during an instrumental assessment first.

15. Residue in the throat after swallowing may indicate weakness or poor coordination. Leftover food or liquid increases the risk of aspiration after the swallow.

16. Strengthening exercises can improve swallowing function. Exercises like the effortful swallow, Masako, or Mendelsohn maneuver help build muscle and coordination.

17. Feeding tubes may be necessary for individuals unable to safely eat or drink. Tube feeding can be temporary or long-term and is sometimes the safest option. Feeding tubes are often needed if someone is not able to eat enough to sustain nutrition.

18. Dysphagia can affect mental health and social engagement. Eating is a social act, and difficulty swallowing can lead to isolation, depression, and anxiety.

19. Many people with dysphagia avoid eating in public due to embarrassment. Awareness helps reduce stigma and increase empathy.

20. Modified diets can improve safety but may affect appetite and satisfaction. Balancing safety with enjoyment is key to improving intake and quality of life.

21. Dehydration is common among people on thickened liquids. SLPs and caregivers should monitor hydration and offer fluids that meet safety recommendations.

22. Pediatric dysphagia can impact growth and development. Early intervention is essential for long-term outcomes in feeding and nutrition.

23. Cancer treatments, especially for head and neck cancers, often affect swallowing. Radiation and chemotherapy can cause fibrosis, dryness, and neuropathy requiring SLP intervention for safe swallowing strategies.

24. Respiratory conditions like COPD can worsen dysphagia. Swallowing and breathing share anatomy and timing—when one is impaired, the other may suffer.

25. Swallowing changes naturally with age. Even without disease, older adults may experience slower, weaker swallows and require adaptations.

26. Screening tools like the EAT-10 help identify dysphagia risk early. These tools are quick, validated, and easy to use in a variety of healthcare settings.

27. SLPs and dietitians often collaborate to manage dysphagia. This partnership ensures both safety and nutritional needs are met.

28. Dysphagia can be temporary or progressive. Stroke-related dysphagia may improve, while degenerative conditions like ALS may worsen over time.

29. Educating caregivers improves compliance and safety. Training on safe feeding, thickening, and posture is essential, especially for home care.

30. Raising awareness leads to better care and empowered patients. Education is powerful—when patients, families, and professionals understand dysphagia, outcomes improve.

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Final Thoughts
Dysphagia may be invisible, but its impact is not. Whether you’re sharing these facts on social media, during in-services, or with patients and families, spreading awareness can literally save lives.

If you would like a PDF version of this post, you can download that right here.

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