Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia) in Adults
Swallowing disorders, also called Dysphagia, occur when there is a problem with any part of the swallowing process. People with Dysphagia have difficulty swallowing and may also experience pain while swallowing. The process of eating is quite complex, with 50 pairs of muscles and nerves all working together to move food from our mouth through the esophagus and into the stomach. Several diseases, conditions, or surgical interventions can result in swallowing problems, such as: stroke, brain injury, alzheimers, cerebral palsy, parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cancer, injury or surgery affecting the head and neck, decayed or missing teeth, or poorly fitting dentures.
General signs of swallowing disorders may include:
- Coughing during or right after eating or drinking
- Wet or gurgly sounding voice during or after eating or drinking
- Extra effort or time needed to chew or swallow
- Food or liquid leaking from the mouth or getting stuck in the mouth
- Recurring pneumonia or chest congestion after eating
- Weight loss or dehydration from not being able to eat enough
Speech Therapy Can Help
Speech-language pathologists specialize in swallowing disorders and can evaluate individuals who are experiencing problems eating and drinking. During treatment, a speech-language pathologist may recommend:
- Swallowing exercises to improve muscle movement
- Strategies to help swallow more effectively
- Food and liquid textures that are easier and safer to swallow
May is National Better Hearing and Speech Month. Let us celebrate along with the American Speech and Hearing Association to raise public awareness of speech and language disorders that affect 14 million Americans. For more information on the benefits of speech therapy, contact the therapy department.
References: www.asha.org