Dysphagia
(Swallowing)
Therapy

Dysphagia is the medical term for swallowing difficulties.  It can be caused by impairment to the oral and/or pharyngeal phases of swallow and is usually a result of another health condition.  These conditions may include stroke, dementia, Parkinsons' disease, and other neurological impairments.  Dysphagia may also be evident following treatments for head and neck cancer.

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Individuals with dysphagia may have difficulty swallowing certain foods or liquids; however, others may not be able to swallow at all.  Signs of dysphagia include:

• coughing or choking when eating or drinking

• difficulty chewing food

• difficulty managing saliva leading to drooling

• sensation that food is stuck in the throat or chest

• excessive throat clearing during meals

• oral residue (food/liquid remaining in the mouth after the swallow)

• wet/gurgly vocal quality after swallowing food/liquid

• delayed coughing following meals

• complaints of pain when swallowing

• changes in eating habits or reduced intake leading to weight loss

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Intervention is warranted for these individuals in order to reduce their risk of choking and aspiration pneumonia, as well as identify their risk for malnutrition/dehydration.  Treatment focuses on improving swallow safety and efficiency through exercises and/or use of compensatory strategies.  

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