Dysphagia
Dysphagia is a disorder of the swallow. Individuals with dysphagia do not have a normal or strong enough swallow adequate to manage foods and/or liquids and sometimes even their own saliva. Instead of the food/liquid/saliva moving from the mouth through the esophagus, the food/liquid/saliva moves into the airway and there is a dangerous risk of aspiration. Obvious signs of dysphagia are choking, coughing, or clearing of the throat following a swallow and a “gurgly” quality to the swallow. Continuing to ingest foods or liquids when dysphagia-like symptoms are present can be very dangerous. Silent aspiration is even more dangerous. Silent aspiration occurs when the food and/or liquid is going into the airway undetected. Individuals with silent aspiration do not exhibit any obvious symptoms and often end up with pneumonia due to the presence of the food/liquids in the lungs.
Dysphagia can only be diagnosed by certain tests. Typically, our clients with dysphagia are referred to us from pediatricians or other physicians who have documented the presence of the dysphagia following a Video Swallow Study (VSS) or Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). These tests are performed using barium in varying consistencies of liquid and food to determine how well a person can protect their airway naturally against each consistency. The stage and location of the dysphagia will be identified and your therapist will then implement a treatment plan consisting of exercises to strengthen and coordinate the muscles in question to strengthen the swallow. Alterations to diet are also necessary to prevent aspiration and protect the airway.
Constant communication with you and your child’s physicians is a top priority, as well as follow up swallow studies to monitor progress.
Comments
Got something to say?