Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a little-recognized condition affecting 30,000,000 European citizens, along with its nutritional and respiratory complications. Raising awareness of this disease is crucial, as it can lead to severe complications such as aspiration pneumonia, an increased incidence of choking, malnutrition, and dehydration, all of which can result in patient death. Dysphagia also prolongs hospital stays and increases the need for institutional care.

At-risk populations include both adults and children suffering from neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and non-degenerative neurological disorders, as well as those with traumatic brain injuries. Other vulnerable groups include elderly patients (over 70 years old), patients with head and neck diseases (such as tumors), those with recurrent pneumonia, and individuals with respiratory infections.