title: Time to recognise dysphagia as a contributing factor to malnutrition.
abstract: Dysphagia is a term used to define an impairment of the ability to eat, drink or swallow (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2006), and can be caused by a mechanical obstruction (a cancer, surgery or stricture of the oropharynx or upper gastrointestinal tract) or a neurological condition that affects the person's ability to swallow. This is a particular problem in the elderly population (Sura et al, 2012).
authors.affiliation: Consultant Nurse, Nutrition Support, Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Trust; and is a member of the BAPEN Executive Committee.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cartwright
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D006113:United Kingdom