In recent years, researchers have dispelled an earlier belief that swallowing problems, a secondary motor symptom, occur only in the later stages of Parkinson's disease. Some people experience disordered swallowing or dysphagia early on, and it may be one of the first symptoms of the disease. Most individuals with dysphagia report difficulty swallowing solid foods. A person may feel their food is getting stuck in the throat or chest. Others say food and liquids go down the wrong way, which causes aspiration. Dysphagia can make it harder to take medications and may become severe enough to cause malnutrition.

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