What impact can dysphagia have on normal life?

Описание: This video is from https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/d... ‘Dysphagia: Swallowing Difficulties and Medicines’ is a free online course by the University of East Anglia available on FutureLearn.com

Those with dysphagia have difficulty with or a complete inability to swallow. When we think of dysphagia, we often look at conditions, symptoms, signs, etc. but we must not forget that the real purpose of healthcare is to improve the quality of the lives of those suffering from swallowing disorders.

Dysphagia is considered a disabling disorder for the individual from the functional point of view of swallowing, as well as the emotional-relational viewpoint. Psychosocial problems in those with dysphagia commonly include anxiety at mealtimes and the wish to eat alone. It has a negative influence on the individual’s life, worsening it qualitatively from both a social and an emotional point of view. Denial and concealment of dysphagia are also common and the condition can influence a reduction in self-esteem, security, work capacity, exercise and leisure time.

This video taken from a dysphagia documentary highlights how dysphagia can have an enormous impact not only on the person but also on the people surrounding them.

© Video courtesy of the US National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders (swallowingdisorderfoundation.com)

At FutureLearn, we want to inspire learning for life. We offer a diverse selection of free, high quality online courses from some of the world's leading universities and other outstanding cultural institutions. Browse all courses and sign up here: http://www.futurelearn.com