dysphagia

American  

[dis-fey-juh, -jee-uh] / dɪsˈfeɪ dʒə, -dʒi ə /

noun

Pathology.

1. difficulty in swallowing.

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dysphagia British  

/ dɪsˈfeɪdʒɪə, dɪsˈfædʒɪk /

noun

1. difficulty in swallowing, caused by obstruction or spasm of the oesophagus

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dysphagia Scientific  

/ dĭs-fā′jə /

1. Difficulty in swallowing.

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Other Word Forms

• dysphagic adjective

Etymology

Origin of dysphagia

First recorded in 1775–85; from New Latin, from Greek dys- dys- + phag(eîn) “to eat, devour” + -ia -ia

Compare meaning

How does dysphagia compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• dysphagia vs. dysphasia

Example Sentences

Catherine would also undergo dysphagia therapy: exercises to help her eat and drink on her own.

From Seattle Times

He had severe acid reflux and a swallowing condition called dysphagia that caused milk to go down his windpipe instead of his esophagus, making him choke.

From Washington Times

Zahir has health problems, including dysphagia and epilepsy, and needs a lot of help.

From New York Times

Her son Jack has cerebral palsy, and condition dysphagia, which causes him to choke on his own saliva.

From BBC

Confabulation, ataxia, dysarthria, dysphagia, hemiparesis: the mesmerizing names of neurological conditions mask cruelties.

From Nature