Aphagia is a medical term that involves the loss of the ability to swallow. The term can also encompass difficulty to swallow, as well as refusal to swallow.
Aphagia can be caused by various factors, such as neurological conditions, muscle disorders, or structural abnormalities in the throat or esophagus.
For instance, after suffering a stroke, a patient may experience severe aphagia, making it extremely challenging for them to eat or drink. Even small sips of water would trigger coughing and choking episodes due to the impaired coordination of their swallowing muscles. As a result, the medical team has to closely monitor the patient's nutritional intake and provide specialized therapies to address the aphagia and improve their ability to swallow safely.
Example sentences
- The patient's severe aphagia made it extremely challenging for them to eat or drink.
- Aphagia can be caused by damage to the nerves or muscles involved in swallowing.
- The doctor diagnosed the patient with aphagia after they experienced recurrent choking episodes.
- Speech therapy was recommended to address the aphagia and improve the patient's swallowing function.
- Aphagia can lead to malnutrition and dehydration if left untreated.
- The underlying cause of the aphagia needed to be determined before a treatment plan could be established.
- The patient's progress was slow, but she was determined to overcome her aphagia.
- Aphagia can result from stroke, neurological diseases, or traumatic injuries.
- The speech therapist developed a customized exercise regimen to help the patient overcome their aphagia.
- The patient's aphagia improved with time and intensive therapy sessions.
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