Dysphagia Quiz

Quiz — Dysphagia Awareness Month

Test Your Knowledge!

 

Welcome! This quiz was created to test and expand your knowledge about dysphagia, which means difficulty swallowing. Dysphagia affects millions of people worldwide, impacting their nutrition, health, and quality of life. Awareness is the first step toward better support and understanding of this often‑overlooked condition.

Whether you are a healthcare professional, a caregiver, or simply curious, this quiz is for you!

 Print the Quiz ,Circle the correct answer for each question. Answers and explanations are provided at the end.

QUIZ — 12 Questions

Question 1 — Definition What is dysphagia?

a) Difficulty speaking clearly

b) Difficulty swallowing food, liquids, or saliva

c) A severe food allergy

Question 2 — Prevalence Approximately what percentage of people aged 65 and over may be affected by dysphagia?

a) About 1–5%

b) About 10–33%

c) About 60–75%

Question 3 — Signs and Symptoms Which of the following is a common sign of dysphagia?

a) Frequent headaches after meals

b) Coughing or choking during meals

c) Loss of smell

Question 4 — Causes Which condition can cause dysphagia?

a) Stroke

b) Wrist fracture

c) Middle ear infection

Question 5 — Risks What is one of the main health risks associated with untreated dysphagia?

a) Aspiration pneumonia

b) Arthritis

c) Type 2 diabetes

Question 6 — Modified Texture Diets What is the purpose of texture‑modified foods for people with dysphagia?

a) To make meals tastier

b) To make swallowing safer and easier

c) To reduce meal preparation time

Question 7 — Health Professionals Which healthcare professional specializes in assessing and treating swallowing disorders?

a) Physiotherapist

b) Speech‑language pathologist

c) Pharmacist

Question 8 — Myths and Realities Which statement is true?

a) Dysphagia only affects older adults

b) Dysphagia can affect people of all ages, including children

c) Dysphagia always goes away on its own over time

Question 9 — Impact on Daily Life How can dysphagia affect a person’s quality of life?

a) It improves appetite and motivation to cook

b) It can lead to social isolation, anxiety during meals, and malnutrition

c) It has no significant impact on daily life

Question 10 — Silent Aspiration What is silent aspiration?

a) Swallowing air by eating too quickly

b) Food or liquid entering the airways without triggering a cough reflex

c) A breathing technique used during meals

Question 11 — Awareness Month When is Dysphagia Awareness Month celebrated in Canada?

a) March

b) June

c) October

Question 12 — What can you do to support someone living with dysphagia?

a) Encourage them to eat quickly so the meal isn’t delayed

b) Be patient, learn about texture‑modifieSupport Wd diets, and create a calm environment during meals

c) Avoid eating in their presence so they don’t feel uncomfortable

 

✅ Answers and Explanations

Question 1 — Answer: b) Difficulty swallowing food, liquids, or saliva The term dysphagia comes from Greek: dys (difficulty) and phagein (to eat). It refers to any difficulty swallowing solids, liquids, or even saliva. It is not a disease itself but a symptom associated with many medical conditions.

Question 2 — Answer: b) About 10–33% Research published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings and other scientific journals shows that dysphagia affects between 10% and 33% of people aged 65 and over. The rate increases significantly in hospitals and long‑term care facilities, where prevalence can exceed 50%. Early screening is therefore essential.

Question 3 — Answer: b) Coughing or choking during meals Coughing, choking, or feeling that food “gets stuck” in the throat are among the most common signs of dysphagia. Other indicators include a wet or hoarse voice after eating, meals that take much longer than usual, and unexplained weight loss. If you notice these signs, consult a healthcare professional.

Question 4 — Answer: a) Stroke Stroke is one of the most common causes of dysphagia. Up to 78% of people who have had a stroke experience swallowing difficulties in the acute phase. Other causes include Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, head and neck cancers, and certain neuromuscular disorders.

Question 5 — Answer: a) Aspiration pneumonia When food or liquid enters the lungs instead of the stomach, it can cause aspiration pneumonia — a potentially serious lung infection. Dehydration and malnutrition are also major risks. Proper medical follow‑up can greatly reduce these dangers.

Question 6 — Answer: b) To make swallowing safer and easier Texture‑modified foods (purées, minced foods, thickened liquids) help reduce the risk of choking and aspiration. They allow people with dysphagia to eat safely while maintaining adequate nutrition. The international IDDSI framework (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) provides standardized guidelines for this purpose.

Question 7 — Answer: b) Speech‑language pathologist The speech‑language pathologist (also called speech‑language pathologist‑audiologist in some provinces) is the healthcare professional who specializes in evaluating and treating swallowing disorders. They work closely with physicians, dietitians, and occupational therapists to create individualized care plans.

Question 8 — Answer: b) Dysphagia can affect people of all ages, including children Contrary to popular belief, dysphagia does not only affect older adults. It can occur in premature infants, children with developmental disorders, adults after head trauma or surgery, and many others. Awareness of this reality is crucial for early detection at any age.

Question 9 — Answer: b) It can lead to social isolation, anxiety during meals, and malnutrition Dysphagia profoundly impacts quality of life. Meals — normally moments of sharing and pleasure — can become sources of stress and anxiety. Many affected individuals avoid eating in public, leading to social isolation.

Question 10 — Answer: b) Food or liquid entering the airways without triggering a cough reflex Silent aspiration is particularly dangerous because the person does not cough or show visible signs of difficulty. Food or liquid enters the airways unnoticed. This phenomenon is common among people who have had a stroke or suffer from neurodegenerative diseases and often requires instrumental evaluation (such as videofluoroscopy) to detect.

Question 11 — Answer: b) June In Canada, June is dedicated to Dysphagia Awareness. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness, support those affected and their families, and promote research and clinical practices related to swallowing. Share your knowledge and help break the silence around dysphagia!

Question 12 — Answer: b) Be patient, learn about texture‑modified diets, and create a calm environment during meals Support from loved ones is vital for people living with dysphagia. Patience, avoiding rushing during meals, learning about appropriate food textures, and creating a calm, distraction‑free environment make a real difference. Your understanding and empathy can greatly improve their eating experience and emotional well‑being.

🌐 www.dysphagiecanada.org Together for Better Awareness Learn more at: www.dysphagiecanada.org