Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing. It can be caused by stroke, disability, traumatic brain injury, or conditions present from birth. The severity ranges from mild to severe. In extreme cases, a person may need a nasogastric tube or a gastrostomy tube (PEG) for nutrition.
What Is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia refers to any difficulty with chewing or swallowing food or liquid. This includes:
- Difficulty keeping food or liquid in the mouth
- Coughing or choking while eating or drinking
- Food or liquid entering the lungs (aspiration)
Aspiration is a serious risk. If food or fluid enters the lungs repeatedly without proper management, it can cause aspiration pneumonia. This can be life-threatening, particularly for older adults or people with neurological conditions.
How Is Dysphagia Assessed?
A Speech Pathologist assesses dysphagia using a range of methods.
Informal assessment involves observing how someone eats and drinks, feeling the swallow during eating, and watching for signs of distress or difficulty.
Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) is an X-ray technique. The Speech Pathologist gives the person small amounts of different textures while an X-ray records what happens during swallowing. Common textures tested include thin fluids (like water), soft foods, and crackers. This allows the clinician to see exactly where the swallow is breaking down.
Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) uses a small camera passed through the nose to view the throat during swallowing. It provides detailed information about how the swallow is working.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the dysphagia. It may include:
- Exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing
- Changes to food and fluid textures (texture modification)
- Positioning strategies during meals
- Teaching safe swallowing techniques
- Guidance for family members and carers
Early assessment and treatment are important. Untreated dysphagia increases the risk of malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia.
If you are concerned about swallowing difficulties for yourself or someone you care for, our Speech Pathology team can help. Learn more about Speech Pathology at Optimum Health Solutions.
