Which of the following is listed as a sign of swallowing disorder in section K?

• A. Coughing during meals
• B. Frequent headaches
• C. Shortness of breath at rest
• D. Nausea after meals

Answer: (A)

Coughing during meals signals a swallowing disorder because it shows airway protection is being compromised during the swallow. When food or liquid enters the airway, the body reflexively coughs to clear it, indicating that the swallow may be delayed or incomplete and there’s a risk of aspiration. This is a common and important red flag in older adults that prompts a formal swallow assessment and possible dietary adjustments to reduce choking and pneumonia risk. While other symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath at rest, or nausea after meals can occur with various conditions, they don’t specifically point to a swallow safety issue during eating.