is the larynx affected by dysphagia
Swallowing disorders are common, especially in the elderly, and may cause dehydration, weight loss, aspiration pneumonia and airway obstruction. These disorders may affect the oral preparatory, oral propulsive, pharyngeal and/or esophageal phases of swallowing.Impaired swallowing, or dysphagia, may occur because of a wide variety of structural or functional conditions, including stroke, cancer, neurologic disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease.A thorough history and a careful physical examination are important in the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders.The physical examination should include the neck, mouth, oropharynx and larynx, and a neurologic examination should also be performed.wallowing is a complex act that involves the coordinated activity of the mouth, pharynx, larynx and esophagus (Figure 1) . A swallow has four phases: oral preparatory, oral propulsive, pharyngeal and esophageal.