How may dysphagia impact a person's nutritional intake?

Dysphagia, which refers to difficulty swallowing, significantly impacts a person's ability to consume food safely and efficiently. When an individual has dysphagia, they may struggle with chewing and swallowing, leading to hesitation or avoidance of eating altogether. This can result in a reduced food intake as they may not be able to consume adequate amounts of food or may opt for easier-to-swallow foods that are less nutritious. Consequently, the overall caloric and nutrient intake becomes compromised, potentially leading to malnutrition and weight loss over time. This highlights the importance of addressing dysphagia to ensure that individuals receive enough nutrition for their health and well-being.