[Dysphagia - from Pathophysiology to Treatment].

More than 5 million persons in Germany suffer from swallowing disorders (dysphagia), predominantly oropharyngeal dysphagia. Due to the demographic changes in our population, the prevalence rates are expected to increase. Multiple conditions may be the cause of dysphagia and dysphagia may lead to various symptoms. Esophageal dysphagia is predominantly accompanied by regurgitation, vomiting, pain and foreign body sensation in the esophageal region. Oropharyngeal dysphagia is characterized by cough, hawking and airway disease. In some patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia, symptoms may be completely absent or are not attributed to dysphagia. Both forms of dysphagia are regularly accompanied by difficulties with nutritional intake and consecutive malnutrition. Therefore, the diagnostic and therapy of dysphagia should always be accompanied by nutritional support.