The Inpatient with Dysphagia: An Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment.

The inpatient with dysphagia can present a unique challenge in medicine. We present a review of normal swallowing function and relevant pathophysiology followed by an approach to evaluation and treatment. For the inpatient clinician, we have developed an algorithm and diagnostic guide based on history that will help advise the need for further workup, arrive at an accurate diagnosis, and facilitate collaborative intervention.