Swallowing Therapy

What could happen if you have difficulties swallowing?

• Aspiration pneumonia develops when food/liquid enters the lungs
• Difficulty breathing
• Malnutrition happens when the body doesn't get enough nutrients
• Dehydration happens when the body doesn't have enough water

Who might have a swallowing problem?

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Brain injury (TBI)
• Dementia
• Head/neck cancer
• Head/neck trauma
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson's disease
• Stroke
• Vocal cord pathology

What are the symptoms of a swallowing problem?

• Unable to hold food/liquids in your mouth
• Trouble chewing
• Trouble moving food/liquids from the front to the back of your mouth
• Difficulty starting a swallow
• Sensation of food stuck in the throat while eating
• Coughing/choking while eating/drinking
• Pain when swallowing
• Wet voice after swallowing
• Difficulty breathing while eating
• Recurrent aspiration pneumonia

How do you find treatment?

• Get a referral from your physician
• You will then be evaluated by a physiatrist (a medical doctor specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation) and a speech-language pathologist
• A detailed medical and swallowing history will be taken
• You will be observed eating/drinking different foods and liquids
• If needed, a Modified Barium Swallow Study aka Video Evaluation of the Swallow may be recommended
• This is a relatively short exam, where an x-ray machine (operated by a radiologist) takes images of the mouth and throat while the patient is swallowing different consistencies of foods/liquids coated in barium

Swallowing Therapy may be recommended if a swallowing problem is identified. Our highly skilled speech-language pathologists are trained to develop an individualized plan to effectively treat your swallowing issues.

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