Which term describes a decrease in the ability to swallow?

The term that describes a decrease in the ability to swallow is dysphagia. This medical condition specifically refers to difficulty or discomfort in swallowing, which can arise from various health issues affecting the throat or esophagus. Dysphagia can manifest in several ways, such as a sensation of food being stuck in the throat, pain while swallowing, or the inability to swallow at all.

Understanding the other terms helps to clarify why dysphagia is the correct choice. Dysarthria refers to a motor speech disorder resulting from neurological injury, affecting the clarity and articulation of speech. Dyspnea is the medical term for difficulty in breathing, which is unrelated to swallowing. Dysuria refers to painful urination, which is associated with issues in the urinary tract, further distinguishing it from swallowing difficulties.