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Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing food, liquids, or saliva safely and efficiently.

Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing that can occur at any stage of the swallowing process—oral preparatory, oral transit, pharyngeal, or esophageal. It can result from neurological conditions (stroke, Parkinson's disease, TBI), structural abnormalities, surgical changes, or aging-related decline. Dysphagia is a serious medical condition that can lead to aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, and reduced quality of life.

Signs of dysphagia may include coughing or choking during meals, a wet or gurgly voice quality after swallowing, food or liquid coming out of the nose, a sensation of food sticking in the throat, unexplained weight loss, and recurrent pneumonia. Some individuals aspirate silently, meaning material enters the airway without triggering a cough reflex, making professional assessment essential.

Speech-language pathologists are the primary professionals responsible for evaluating and treating dysphagia. Assessment may include clinical bedside evaluation and instrumental studies such as videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) or fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Treatment involves swallowing exercises, compensatory strategies, diet modifications, and caregiver education.

Signs & Symptoms

  • •Coughing or choking while eating or drinking
  • •Wet or gurgly vocal quality during or after meals
  • •Sensation of food sticking in the throat or chest
  • •Unexplained weight loss or dehydration
  • •Recurring pneumonia or respiratory infections
  • •Avoidance of certain food textures or prolonged mealtimes

Treatment Approaches

  • •Swallowing exercises to strengthen and coordinate swallowing musculature
  • •Compensatory swallowing strategies (e.g., chin tuck, head rotation)
  • •Diet texture and liquid consistency modifications
  • •Instrumental swallow assessment (VFSS or FEES) to guide treatment
  • •Caregiver and patient education on safe swallowing practices

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