What is swallowing disorder

Dysphagia is a difficulty in swallowing that can be caused by a variety of reasons and can occur at different sites. Swallowing disorders can affect food intake and nutrient absorption, and can also lead to aspiration of food into the trachea, resulting in aspiration pneumonia, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. Rehabilitation training is a necessary measure to improve neurological swallowing disorder. Gao Zhenmei, Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, early swallowing training can prevent disuse atrophy of the subpharyngeal muscles, strengthen the movement of the tongue and masticatory muscles, improve the flexibility of the swallowing reflex, improve the ability to ingest and swallow, and reduce the occurrence of complications such as aspiration pneumonia, asphyxia, dehydration and malnutrition. At the same time, it can enhance the ability of patients to survive on their own, improve the quality of life, and reduce the mental and economic burden of society and families. Patients with pharyngeal disorders, such as clear consciousness, stable vital signs, no severe cardiopulmonary comorbidities, stable breathing, not much sputum, no fever, stable blood pressure, no nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.; can listen to the prompt of opening mouth and lifting tongue, can carry out rehabilitation training line (after 48h of onset); if the condition is severe, start rehabilitation training after the condition is stable (after 7d~20d).