Which of the following is a common symptom of dysphagia?

The correct answer highlights that frequent coughing during meals is a commonly observed symptom of dysphagia, which refers to difficulty swallowing. When a person with dysphagia tries to eat or drink, food or liquid may enter the airway (aspiration), causing them to cough as a reflex action to clear the airway. This symptom serves as an important signal indicating that the person might be struggling with their swallowing ability and may require further assessment or intervention.

While other symptoms such as persistent throat clearing can also occur, they are less commonly associated with dysphagia itself compared to coughing. Watery eyes during meals are typically unrelated to the swallowing process, and sudden weight gain is usually not a symptom of dysphagia; in fact, it could indicate quite the opposite, as individuals with swallowing difficulties may face challenges in maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration, potentially leading to weight loss.