Aphagia
ICD-10 R13.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of aphagia.
Aphagia is the medical term for the inability to swallow, which can be a result of various underlying conditions affecting the swallowing mechanism. This condition can manifest as a complete inability to swallow or as a significant difficulty in swallowing, leading to the risk of aspiration and malnutrition. Aphagia may arise from neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as structural abnormalities in the esophagus or throat, such as tumors or strictures. Patients may present with symptoms such as choking, coughing during eating, or a sensation of food getting stuck in the throat. Clinical evaluation often includes a thorough history, physical examination, and may involve imaging studies or endoscopic evaluations to determine the underlying cause. Laboratory findings may reveal nutritional deficiencies if the condition is chronic. Accurate diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent complications such as aspiration pneumonia or severe malnutrition.
Detailed history of swallowing difficulties, associated symptoms, and any relevant medical history.
Patients presenting with unexplained weight loss, recurrent aspiration pneumonia, or neurological symptoms.
Consideration of comorbidities that may affect swallowing, such as diabetes or neurological disorders.
Acute assessment of airway protection, vital signs, and immediate interventions taken.
Acute choking episodes, patients with sudden onset aphagia following a stroke or trauma.
Rapid assessment and intervention are critical; documentation must reflect urgency and interventions performed.
Used when a patient is assessed for swallowing difficulties.
Documentation must include the rationale for the evaluation and findings.
Speech-language pathologists often perform this evaluation, requiring collaboration with physicians.
Aphagia refers to the complete inability to swallow, while dysphagia indicates difficulty swallowing. Both conditions can arise from different underlying causes and require distinct diagnostic approaches.
