US Medical Term · symptoms
Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing)
Disfagia
Also: Dificultad para tragar (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing) |
| Spanish (Español) | Disfagia |
| Chinese (中文) | 吞嚥困難 |
| Korean (한국어) | 연하 곤란 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Khó nuốt |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Hirap sa paglunok |
| Portuguese (Português) | Disfagia |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | กลืนลำบาก |
| Japanese (日本語) | 嚥下困難 |
What it means
Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing food, liquids, or even saliva. It may feel like food is sticking in the throat or chest, or that swallowing requires extra effort or causes pain. It can arise from problems with the mouth, throat, or esophagus. Common causes include GERD, esophageal strictures, throat infections, neurological conditions such as stroke or Parkinson's disease, and, less commonly, esophageal cancer. Dysphagia that is new, persistent, or worsening should always be evaluated by a doctor. It can lead to poor nutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, and choking if untreated.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
Food feels like it's getting stuck in my throat when I swallow.
Siento que la comida se me atora en la garganta cuando trago.
It hurts to swallow, even when I try to swallow just liquids.
Me duele tragar, incluso cuando intento tomar solo líquidos.
I've been having trouble swallowing for the past two months and it's getting worse.
Llevo dos meses con dificultad para tragar y está empeorando.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
R13 Aphagia and dysphagiaRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026