ABSTRACT
The term ‘dysphagia’ means difšculties in swallowing. In a clinical context ‘dysphagia’ is however used to describe a variety of problems that can be encountered while trying to get food and ¬uid into and through the upper part of the digestive system. Dysphagia can occur because of obstruction in the mouth or head and neck area, through disturbances in the neuromuscular process that moves ¬uid or food from the pharynx to the stomach, and obstruction of the oesophagus. Gastric outlet obstructions causing regurgitation of stomach content will also be discussed, as they are often encountered and the same principles of care apply.
