Dysphagia
Dysphagia is the medical term for trouble swallowing. It involves the mouth, throat, esophagus, (the tube from your throat to your stomach) and the opening to the stomach called the gastroesophageal junction. Dysphagia can cause food or fluid to go down the ”wrong way” into your wind pipe causing you to cough or choke. Ultimately frequent episodes like this can cause chest infections that may exacerbate other medical conditions you may have.
Who does it impact?
Dysphagia most commonly occurs in adults following an adverse event or can be a result of damage to the central nervous system or cranial nerves.
Dysphagia can occur in children and is associated with underlying causes or medical conditions. If you are concerned that your child has swallowing difficulties please contact your family doctor and send us a direct email.
Dysphagia may occur due to the following:
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Stroke
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Traumatic brain injury
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Spinal cord injury
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Dementia
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Parkinson’s disease
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Multiple sclerosis
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ALS (or Lou Gehrig’s disease)
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Muscular dystrophy
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Developmental disabilities in an adult population (i.e., cerebral palsy)
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Post-polio syndrome and/or
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Myasthenia gravis
(ASHA, n.d.)
Signs of dysphagia may include:
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Drooling and poor ability to manage food or saliva in the mouth.
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Inability to keep lips closed, leading to food and/or liquids leaking from the mouth.
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Food and/or liquids leaking from the nose.
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Complaints of food “sticking” in the throat.
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Complaints of a “fullness” in the throat.
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Complaints of pain when swallowing.
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Wet or gurgly sounding voice during or after eating or drinking.
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Coughing during or right after eating or drinking.
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Difficulty coordinating breathing and swallowing.
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Recurring aspiration pneumonia/respiratory infection and/or fever.
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Extra effort or time needed to chew or swallow.
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Changes in eating habits—specifically, avoidance of certain foods/drinks.
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Weight loss or dehydration from not being able to eat enough.
(ASHA, n.d.)
Our clinic offers comprehensive dysphagia assessment and treatment services to help individuals regain their ability to swallow safely and effectively.
Our team of speech-language pathologists utilizes evidence-based assessment tools and treatment approaches to tailor a plan of care specific to each person's unique needs. We work closely with clients and families to develop treatment goals that are meaningful and achievable. Our ultimate goal is to help you improve your quality of life and achieve your optimal level of functioning.
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If you or a loved one is experiencing dysphagia, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our clinic.
