List common signs and symptoms that may indicate dysphagia in adults.

• A. Coughing or choking with meals
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Improved hydration
• D. Excellent taste sensation

Answer: (A)

Coughing or choking during meals is a hallmark sign of dysphagia because it signals that material may be slipping into the airway during swallowing. When the swallow is unsafe or incomplete, the body’s protective cough reflex is triggered to clear any material from the airway, so coughing while eating or right after can indicate penetration or aspiration and warrants further evaluation by a clinician.

The other options don’t reflect swallowing difficulties. Increased appetite isn’t related to swallowing function, and dysphagia is about difficulty moving food or liquids, not how hungry you feel. Improved hydration suggests better fluid intake, which isn’t a sign of a swallowing problem and would be unusual if dysphagia were present. Excellent taste sensation has no bearing on the mechanics of swallowing.