The medical term for swallowing difficulties is "Dysphagia". Some individuals may have difficulty in swallowing foods with specific consistencies like solids while others cannot swallow at all, irrespective of the food's consistency.
Common signs of dysphagia
Frequent coughing/ choking while eating food/ drinking water.
Having a sensation that food is stuck in your throat.
Continuous drooling of saliva.
Regurgitation of food (bringing food back up, sometimes even through the nose).
Common causes of dysphagia
Neurological - Stroke/ head injury/ Dementia
Cancer
Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD - where the stomach acid leaks back up into the esophagus)
In the case of children, dysphagia can be caused by developmental delays and disabilities.
Who to consult for professional help?
Otolaryngologist
Certified speech-language pathologist (SLP) with experience in handling dysphagia
Effect of swallowing therapy in dysphagia
Better saliva control.
Better ability to masticate the food.
Improved sensory awareness of structures involved in the process of swallowing.
Improved and safe swallow episodes.
Good health and stamina (as a result of following safe swallow strategies).
Motivation to eat and swallow by oneself.
Book an online consultation with us today for further details!!