Dysphagia is distinguished from other symptoms including odynophagia, which is defined as painful swallowing,[8] and globus, which is the sensation of a lump in the throat.

[citation needed] The most common symptom of esophageal dysphagia is the inability to swallow solid food, which the patient will describe as 'becoming stuck' or 'held up' before it either passes into the stomach or is regurgitated.

Pain on swallowing or odynophagia is a distinctive symptom that can be highly indicative of carcinoma, although it also has numerous other causes that are not related to cancer.

[22] Dysphagia may manifest as the result of autonomic nervous system pathologies including stroke[23] and ALS,[24] or due to rapid iatrogenic correction of an electrolyte imbalance.

[11] Some people with dysphagia, especially those nearing the end of life, may choose to continue eating and drinking orally even when it has been deemed unsafe.

[27] A 2018 Cochrane review found no certain evidence about the immediate and long-term effects of modifying the thickness of fluids for swallowing difficulties in people with dementia.

[28] While thickening fluids may have an immediate positive effect on swallowing and improving oral intake, the long-term impact on the health of the person with dementia should also be considered.

[30] The effectiveness of modifying food and fluid in preventing aspiration pneumonia has been questioned and these can be associated with poorer nutrition, hydration and quality of life.

[32] It is likely that this initiative, which has widespread support among dysphagia practitioners, will improve communication with carers and will lead to greater standardization of modified diets.

[citation needed]There is also a larger movement within the field of Speech Language Pathology to begin advocating for Dysphagia to be elevated within the school setting as it is currently not considered necessary during a Speech-Language and oral evaluation of a child.

[33] Swallowing disorders can occur in all age groups, resulting from congenital abnormalities, structural damage, and/or medical conditions.

[11] Swallowing problems are a common complaint among older individuals, and the incidence of dysphagia is higher in the elderly,[34][35] and in patients who have had strokes.