Med. praxi. 2024;21(1):40-46 | DOI: 10.36290/med.2024.003

Swallowing disorders - diagnosis, therapy and aids

Mgr. Naděžda Lasotová, MBA^{1, 2}, doc. PhDr. Ilona Bytešníková, Ph.D.², Mgr. Radka Florianová^{2, 3}

¹ Neurologická klinika, Fakultní nemocnice Brno

² Katedra speciální a inkluzivní pedagogiky, Pedagogická fakulta Masarykovy univerzity, Brno

³ Poliklinika Halasovo náměstí, Brno­‑Lesná

Dysphagia (swallowing disorder) can occur at different stages of life. In some cases it may only be temporary, while in other cases it may persist from childhood into adulthood. Therefore we consider it important that both general practitioners for children and adolescents, as well as general practitioners providing care for adult patients and the elderly, are familiar with this issue. Dysphagia always means a serious condition associated with significant risks of complications and consequences for patients' health. The article presents the division of dysphagia, the etiology of the disorder, the possibilities of diagnosis and therapy in a multidisciplinary team. It presents special aids used in dysphagia therapy and for safe intake of food and fluids.

Keywords: dysphagia, diagnostic techniques, therapeutics, instruments.

Received: July 30, 2023; Revised: November 27, 2023; Accepted: January 26, 2024; Published: March 6, 2024  Show citation