Word parts
What it means
A complete loss of the ability to swallow, the most severe form of dysphagiadis-FAY-jee-uhDifficulty swallowing.dys- difficultphag/o eat, swallow-ia conditionFull entry . It can follow a stroke, head and neck cancer or its treatment, or nerve and muscle diseases. A person with aphagia cannot safely eat or drink by mouth and usually needs tube feeding.
For the nurse
Give nothing by mouth until a swallow evaluation clears the client, provide mouth care, and keep suction at the bedside.
Remember it
Aphasia is about phrases (language); aphagia is about eating (phag = eat).
At a glance
| Spanish | afagia |
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Easy to confuse with
aphasia
Loss or impairment of the ability to understand or use language, from damage to the brain.
Related terms
aspiration
Breathing food, liquid, saliva or stomach contents into the airway and lungs; also, drawing fluid out with suction or a needle.
dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing.
swallowing
Moving food, liquid or saliva from the mouth through the throat and esophagus to the stomach.
aphasia
Loss or impairment of the ability to understand or use language, from damage to the brain.