Glossary of Swallowing Health Terms

Aspiration

When food, drink, or stomach contents accidentally enter the airway or lungs instead of the esophagus. If no symptoms are noticeable, it is called Silent Aspiration.

Can cause coughing, choking, or pneumonia and can happen without symptoms.

Aspiration Pneumonia

A lung infection caused by food, drink or other material entering the lungs and leading to inflammation and infection.

A serious, sometimes life-threatening complication of dysphagia.

Barium

A safe, chalky liquid used during X-rays. In a swallow study, it is mixed with food or drink so healthcare professionals can see the swallowing process.

It helps doctors and speech-language pathologists identify swallowing problems in real time. The barium is white in appearance when consuming, but shows up black on the image!

Dehydration

A condition that occurs when the body doesn't have enough fluids, which can cause serious health problems.

Can lead to serious health problems such as confusion, infections, or hospitalizations.

Dietitian

A healthcare professional who ensures nutritional needs are met, especially when swallowing difficulties affect eating.

They help prevent malnutrition and dehydration when diet changes are needed.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing.

Dysphagia can affect health, nutrition, hydration, and the quality of life of the person and their carepartner, and it can also carry broader impacts such as increased healthcare costs.

Esophagus

The food pipe, a muscular tube that carries food and drink from the throat down into the stomach.

Problems here cause food or liquid to get "stuck" or come back up.

FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing)

A swallowing test where a thin camera is passed through the nose to watch how food and liquid move through the throat.

Typically done when the person is awake and the speech-language pathologist may provide numbing spray or gel in the nose for comfort; though it can also be done without! It shows if food or liquid is entering the airway during swallowing.

IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative)

A global system that standardizes food and drink textures to ensure safe and consistent recommendations for swallowing.

Ensures clear, consistent diet recommendations across healthcare settings.

Malnutrition

A condition that happens when the body doesn't get enough essential nutrients (calories, protein, vitamins) for good health.

Increases the risk of illness, frailty, and poor recovery.

Modified Diet

Changes in food and drink textures that can make swallowing safer. Usually recommended by speech-language pathologists.

Helps prevent choking and aspiration.

Penetration

When food, drink, or other stomach contents partially enter the airway but do not reach the lungs.

It increases the risk of aspiration if not managed.

Pharynx

Also known as the throat. It connects the mouth to both the airway (windpipe) and the esophagus (food pipe).

It is the passageway where food and air share a pathway.

Reflux

When stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus, sometimes reaching the throat.

Can cause irritation and increase aspiration risk.

Residue

Food or liquid left in the mouth or throat after swallowing, which may increase the risk of choking or aspiration.

Leftover material can slip into the airway and cause choking or aspiration.

Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

A healthcare professional who helps people with speech, communication, and swallowing difficulties.

They are the main specialists for swallowing evaluation and therapy.

Swallow Screening

A quick initial assessment to see if someone may be at risk for swallowing difficulties.

A swallowing screening is performed to see if a full, comprehensive swallow assessment is needed. Early detection prevents complications like aspiration pneumonia.

Thickener

A powder or liquid added to drinks can make them thicker and easier to control in the mouth and swallow.

Whether or not thickener is appropriate is determined by the Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study or FEES.

Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS)

An imaging test that uses x-ray video to show how food and drinks move from the mouth, through the throat, and into the esophagus.

It uses a small amount of radiation and provides a clear picture of swallowing safety and efficiency.