Book Abstract
Swallowing disorders, or dysphagia, encompass a range of conditions that impair the ability to safely and efficiently move food, liquids, and saliva from the mouth to the stomach. These disorders can result from neurological, structural, or muscular causes and may lead to complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, and social isolation .
This comprehensive volume delves into the multifaceted nature of swallowing disorders, offering a thorough exploration from symptomatology to advanced management strategies. The book is structured to provide a holistic understanding, encompassing: Anatomy and Physiology of Swallowing: Detailed insights into the normal swallowing mechanism, including the roles of cranial nerves, sphincters, and neural control pathways. Etiology and Classification: Examination of various causes of dysphagia, categorized into oropharyngeal and esophageal types, with discussions on neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease), structural abnormalities, and iatrogenic factors. Diagnostic Approaches: Overview of clinical evaluations and instrumental assessments such as fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS), manometry, and barium swallow tests .
