Complications associated with dysphagia include:
- Aspiration pneumonia (Mann et al., 1999)
- Malnutrition (Foley et al., 2009)
- Dehydration (Whelan, 2001)
- Weight loss (Brynningsen et al., 2007)
- Airway obstruction (Turkington et al., 2002)
- Death (Paciaroni et al., 2004; Smithard et al., 2007)
The secondary effects of dysphagia include:
- Reduced stamina (Huckabee & Doeltgen, 2007)
- Reduced physical recovery (Marks & Rainbow, 2001)
- Increased likelihood of pressure sores (Westergren et al., 2001)
- Reduced wound healing (Carrau & Murray, 1998)
- Increase in chest pain, heartburn & regurgitation (Tibbling & Gustafsson 1991)
- Increased length of stay (NCGC, 2011)
- Increased disability (Smithard et al., 2007)
- Increased risk of anxiety or depression (Costa Bandeira et al., 2008)
- Fear of choking (Costa Bandeira et al., 2008)
- Discharge to institutional care (NCGC, 2011)
- Reduced quality of life (NCGC, 2011)
