Dysphagia
Sometimes we may have trouble swallowing, but a person with a swallowing disorder, also known as dysphagia (pronounced dis-FAY-juh), may experience difficulty swallowing most of the time. Dysphagia can occur due to issues in the head, neck, or mouth, or as a result of brain or nerve damage such as stroke or brain injury.
Signs of Swallowing Difficulty:
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coughing during or right after eating or drinking
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clearing your throat often after eating or drinking
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having a wet or gurgly voice during or after eating or drinking
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feeling like something is stuck in your throat or chest after eating or drinking
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needing extra work or time to chew or swallow
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having food or liquid leak from your mouth
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food left over in your mouth after you swallow
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having a hard time breathing after meals
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losing weight
Dysphagia can result in:
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dehydration or poor nutrition
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food or liquid going into the airway, called aspiration
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pneumonia or other lung infections
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reflux
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social isolation
We can help!
Speech-Language Pathologists use a variety of personalized management and treatment options, such as exercises and modified diets, to help improve swallowing function and improve quality of life.