Swallowing is a complex process that changes over time, and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) can be associated with ageing.

Aspirations is a medical term for the condition that occurs when a person accidentally inhales food or liquid into the airway instead of swallowing it through the oesophagus.

Difficulty swallowing can occur if the cricopharyngeal muscle (CPM) in the throat is not functioning or is impaired.

Dysphagia can result in difficulty swallowing properly. Many factors can cause dysphagia, and most of them are temporary and not life-threatening.

Acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus (the tube that carries food from the back of the throat to the stomach), can lead to other throat symptoms.

Hoarseness (also called dysphonia) is an abnormal change in the quality of the voice, making it sound raspy, strained, breathy, weak, higher or lower in pitch, inconsistent, or fatigued. This can result in difficulty or discomfort when speaking.

The salivary glands are located inside and near the mouth, face and neck. Dehydration is a risk factor for certain salivary gland disorders.

Every person can experience a sore throat at times. Sore throat that is severe or prolonged affects speech, swallowing process, or breathing.

Spasmodic Dysphonia is a voice disorder that causes involuntary spasms or contractions of the vocal cords, disrupting speech and affecting a person's voice quality.

Tonsillitis refers to the inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsils, which are lymph glands located at the back of the throat that can be seen through the mouth.

Tonsils are two round lumps at the back of the throat. Infected adenoids by germs and bacteria can disrupt the airway and eating process.

Paralyzed vocal cords and paresis can be caused by abnormal nerve function that controls the muscles of the voice box (laryngeal muscles).

Laryngeal cancer, or voice box cancer, is not as well-known to the public as some other types of cancer, but it is not a rare disease.