Signs of difficulty swallowing

Swallowing issues can make it hard to eat and drink, which can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and distressing. It can increase the risk of choking or result in weight loss if eating is avoided.

These are common signs of swallowing difficulties:

• Discomfort, difficulty or pain when swallowing medications, food, drinks or saliva
• Coughing or choking whilst or after eating and drinking
• A wet sounding voice or gurgling sounds after meals or drinks
• Extra saliva in the mouth, leading to drooling or speech issues
• Feeling like food gets stuck in the throat or chest
• Eating slower, avoiding certain foods, or not eating at all
• Unintentional weight loss

Pay special attention to these symptoms when it gets even more difficult to swallow:

• A complete inability to swallow
• Difficulty or shallow breathing
• Changes in the color or increased volume of mucus
• Increased coughing
• Fever (temperature over 38℃/100.4℉)
• Chest pain
• Severe discomfort and pain while swallowing
• Severe muscle weakness or fatigue

Do not hesitate to reach out to a medical professional if you are at all concerned. Any significant change in symptoms, or the sudden onset of new symptoms, should be evaluated as soon as possible by a healthcare professional.