Dysphagia: Swallowing Disorders

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can significantly impact an individual's health, nutrition, and quality of life. Common signs and symptoms include:

- Coughing or choking during or after eating

- Difficulty initiating a swallow

- Food sticking in the throat or chest

- Unexplained weight loss

- Recurrent chest infections

- Drooling or difficulty managing saliva

At our practice, we provide comprehensive assessment and treatment for swallowing disorders resulting from various conditions, including stroke, neurological diseases, head and neck cancer, and aging.

Our approach to dysphagia management includes:

1. Thorough clinical evaluation of swallowing function

2. Recommendations for instrumental assessments (e.g., VFSS or FEES) when indicated

3. Review and interpretation of instrumental assessment findings

4. Development of individualised treatment plans

5. Ongoing monitoring and adjustment of interventions

While we do not perform instrumental assessments in our clinic, we work closely with local hospitals and can recommend these tests when necessary.

Treatment strategies may include swallowing exercises, compensatory techniques, diet modifications, and education for patients and caregivers. Recent research by Archer et al. (2021) has shown that high-intensity swallowing therapy can lead to significant improvements in swallowing function and quality of life[1].

Our approach to dysphagia management is holistic, considering both physical and psychosocial impacts. We collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care and focus on long-term management strategies for those with chronic dysphagia.

Useful tip: Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent aspiration pneumonia. When eating, sit upright, take small bites, and eat slowly. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or have concerns about your swallowing, don't hesitate to reach out to us for a comprehensive swallowing assessment.

[1] Archer, S. K., Wellwood, I., Smith, C. H., & Newham, D. J. (2021). Dysphagia therapy in stroke: a survey of speech and language therapists. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 56(3), 594-611.