Understanding Dysphagia: Signs, Risks, and How Speech Therapy Helps
The definition of dysphagia is: a swallowing disorder defined as difficulty moving food, liquids, or saliva safely and efficiently from the mouth to the stomach. It occurs when there is impairment in the muscles, nerves, or structures involved in the swallowing process and can affect one or more phases of the swallow (oral, pharyngeal, or esophageal).
Dysphagia may result from conditions such as stroke, neurological disease, head and neck cancer, aging-related changes, or developmental disorders. Little can increase the risk of aspiration, malnutrition, dehydration, and pneumonia if not properly treated. Speech-language pathologists are the primary professionals responsible for evaluating and treating dysphagia.
This month at Buckeye Speech Path, we want to highlight the very important work of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) who help patients with dysphagia. When a person suddenly faces difficulty with swallowing, it can feel so overwhelming and as if your world is being turned upside down. Think about how many times a day we swallow - estimates are approximately 600 to 1,000 times. With numbers this high and the fact that we swallow automatically without thinking about it, you can see how easy it is to take this simple act for granted…until we have a problem. That’s where SLP’s come in…
Some facts about who can have a dysphagia diagnosis:
Dysphagia can affect people of any age, from premature infants and children to healthy older adults; it is not limited to the elderly.
Stroke is one of the most common causes of dysphagia, with a significant percentage of individuals experiencing swallowing difficulty immediately s/p stroke or during recovery.
Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, ALS, multiple sclerosis, dementia, and traumatic brain injury frequently involve dysphagia due to impaired motor control and sensation.
Individuals with head and neck cancer may develop dysphagia as a result of surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy affecting swallowing structures.
Dysphagia can occur in medically complex or otherwise healthy individuals, including those with reflux, esophageal disorders, post-intubation injury, or age-related changes, even without a major neurological diagnosis.
Therefore, if you have a dysphagia diagnosis or are concerned about your swallowing…
Here are some simple steps to help you get started on a road to better health and success with safe swallowing.
Discuss your concerns with your physician and advocate for a trained specialist to help you figure out a plan for managing or improving your dysphagia.
Call an SLP (we are direct access providers, meaning, you can reach out without a doctor referral). An SLP is the primary provider to evaluate swallowing function, diagnose specific forms of dysphagia, provide swallowing therapy, home exercise programs, compensatory strategies, help a patient to safely and efficiently advance their diet, and educate patients and caregiver about the plan and needed steps.
Remember, not all providers have the same training or experience. Ask the practice/clinician if they are comfortable working with a person who has dysphagia. If you are willing to invest your time in improving your health, make sure your therapist is a good match for your needs. At Buckeye Speech Path, we have good experience in this area and are ready to help you! Call today for your free 15 minute consultation/discovery call.
Nikki & team :)
