Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing solids, liquids, or saliva. It can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition and may lead to serious health issues like malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia if left untreated. Types of dysphagia include: * Oropharyngeal dysphagia: Occurs when there is an issue with the initial stages of swallowing, preventing food from properly moving from the mouth into the throat and upper esophagus. It often results from nerve or muscle problems. * Esophageal dysphagia: Occurs when there is a problem moving food through the esophagus into the stomach. This is often caused by a blockage or irritation in the esophagus.