Dysphagia may be either for solids or liquids or both.  Dysphagia of solids usually occurs with some element of obstruction in the oesophagus, often secondary to acid reflux and narrowing of the oesophagus, but can be due to cancer.  When there is difficulty in swallowing liquids it usually indicates a muscular disorder of the oesophagus. When fluid refluxes through the nose when swallowing this is usually associated with a brain or spinal cord problem. The site of the dysphagia may be poorly located in terms of where the obstruction occurs.  There is often a choking sensation in the pharynx when there is poor muscular activity. Dysphagia always warrants investigation, particularly if there has been associated weight loss.