Swallowing
This Advice Is Easy To Swallow!
By Amanda Meyer, MS, CCC, SLP
Although most of us don’t give it much thought, swallowing is a complex process that requires precise coordination of the many muscles of the mouth, throat and esophagus. For this reason, some people experience difficulty with swallowing, especially as they age.
Speech Language Pathologist Jenny Welte, helps a child improve his speech patterns. Blanchard Valley's speech therapists treats patients of all ages.
What can go wrong?
Common difficulties include: chewing, controlling or moving food around in the mouth, food or liquid sticking in the throat, coughing, throat clearing, or choking on food or liquid.
What are the causes?
People can experience swallowing difficulties for a number of reasons, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis, tracheotomy, chemotherapy/radiation therapy, poor teeth/denture condition, head/neck cancer, and acid reflux.
What to do if you or a family member show signs of a swallowing difficulty?
Contact your physician immediately! A referral to a Speech-Language Pathologist who is certified by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) will provide an assessment of the swallowing difficulties. If difficulties are not addressed, more serious medical conditions can occur.
How does a Speech-Language Pathologist evaluate someone with a swallowing difficulty?
The therapist will use either a bedside swallow evaluation, or a modified barium swallow study (MBSS).
During a bedside evaluation, the therapist observes the patient’s ability to tolerate various textures of food and liquid. In the modified barium test, a Speech-Language Pathologist and radiologist use real-time X-ray to observe the swallow.
How can a Speech-Language Pathologist help?
We are professionals trained in evaluating and treating speech, language, and swallowing difficulties. Your therapist may develop a treatment plan that incorporates one or more methods, including exercises, physical/electrical stimulation, or use of strategies/ precautions to decrease swallowing risks.
For further information on speech therapy services at Blanchard Valley’s Rehabilitation Department, contact our Outpatient Rehab Center on the University of Findlay campus at (419) 425-3199.
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