What it means
A process with three phases: the mouth forms food into a soft ball and pushes it back (voluntary), the throat moves it past the airway while the epiglottis closes over the windpipe (reflex), and the esophagusih-SOF-uh-gusThe muscular tube that carries food and liquid from the throat to the stomach.esophag/o esophagusFull entry squeezes it down to the stomach. The medical word is deglutition. Difficulty swallowing is dysphagiadis-FAY-jee-uhDifficulty swallowing.dys- difficultphag/o eat, swallow-ia conditionFull entry ; stroke, Parkinson disease, ALS and dementia often affect it.
For the nurse
Check that a client after a stroke can swallow safely, using the agency's screen, before giving food, fluids or oral drugs. Sit the client upright, give small bites, and watch for coughing, a wet voice or food left in the mouth.
At a glance
| Spanish | deglución |
|---|---|
| Also written | deglutition |
Related terms
aspiration
Breathing food, liquid, saliva or stomach contents into the airway and lungs; also, drawing fluid out with suction or a needle.
esophagus
The muscular tube that carries food and liquid from the throat to the stomach.
dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing.
aphagia
Inability to swallow.