The Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) will use a combination of exercises including compensatory techniques and direct treatment strategies to improve the safety of oral intake by reducing your risk for aspiration and maintaining quality of life.
Signs and Symptoms of Dysphagia include:
- Coughing/throat clearing 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 mouth or getting stuck in mouth
- Recurring pneumonia or chest congestion after eating
- Weight loss or dehydration from not being able to eat enough
Medical issues which may contribute to swallowing problems include: oral, pharyngeal, or esophageal motility and structural abnormalities, Stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Alzheimer’s Disease and other neurological disease, Cancer in the mouth, throat or esophagus, Injury or surgery involving the head and neck, and laryngo-pharyngeal reflux.
