Swallowing Disorders
Dysphagia
Understanding Dysphagia
A swallowing disorder, also known as Dysphagia (dis-FAY-juh), is a difficulty with moving food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. These problems can lead to serious health issues like poor nutrition and lung infections, as well as social isolation.
Key Signs of Dysphagia
If these symptoms persist, you may have a swallowing problem:
Coughing or Throat Clearing during or immediately after eating/drinking.
A wet or gurgly voice quality after swallowing.
Feeling like food is stuck in the throat or chest.
Needing extra time and effort to chew and swallow.
Food or liquid leaking from the mouth or getting stuck in the mouth.
Unexplained weight loss or signs of dehydration.
Causes
Swallowing problems can be caused by damage to the brain and nerves, or by structural problems in the head and neck:
Neurological/Brain Injury
Head, Neck, and Mouth Problems
Stroke or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Cancer in the mouth, throat, or esophagus
Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple sclerosis (MS) or ALS
Trauma or surgery in the mouth or neck
SLP Evaluation and Treatment
A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is an expert in diagnosing and treating dysphagia.
Evaluation
In addition to a detailed health history and muscle movement check, the SLP may use specialized tests:
Modified Barium Swallow (MBS): An X-ray procedure where you swallow food mixed with barium to visualize the swallowing process in real-time.
Endoscopic Assessment: A doctor or SLP inserts a thin, flexible tube through the nose to watch the swallowing mechanism on a screen.
Treatment
The SLP develops a personalized plan that may include:
Swallowing Exercises: Treatment to help strengthen and better coordinate the muscles used for chewing and swallowing.
Compensatory Strategies: Instruction on safe eating postures and head positions during meals.
Diet Modification: Suggesting softer foods or thickening liquids to make swallowing easier and safer.
Caregiver Training: Guidance for family and caregivers on exercises, safe feeding techniques, and preparing appropriate meals