Eating and Swallowing

When an adult begins to show signs of an eating or swallowing disorder families become concerned and confused. What could that possibly mean? In my experience working with adults with medical and cognitive problems I have learned something about the issues related to difficulty with eating and swallowing, specifically from my speech therapy peers. I have copied some information from the American Speech and Language Association website about these issues which caregivers may identify.

What are common signs of a swallowing problem?

  • Coughing during or right after eating or drinking
  • Clearing your throat often after eating or drinking
  • Having a wet or gurgly voice during or after eating
  • Feeling like something is stuck in your throat or chest after eating or drinking
  • Having food or liquid leak from your mouth
  • Needing extra work or time to chew or swallow
  • Food getting stuck in your mouth
  • Having a hard time breathing after meals
  • Unusual weight loss

A swallowing problem might cause you to have:

  • Dehydration or poor nutrition
  • Food or liquid going into the airway called “aspiration”
  • Pneumonia or other lung infection
  • Reflux

What causes a swallowing disorder?

  • Neurological diseases stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, MS, ALS, muscular dystrophy, Alzheimers, dementia, Down Syndrome
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  • Structural problems with the head, neck or mouth caused by cancer, injuries, surgery, bad or missing teeth, poorly fitting dentures

What can be done about a swallowing disorder?

  • First it requires accurate diagnosis which may require a Speech Therapy Evaluation.             The evaluation might include a diagnostic study such as a Modified Barium Swallow 
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  • Once the condition is better understood then adaptive methods are recommended like:
  •                Strategies for changing food and drink consistency 
  •                Strategies for changing the rate and process of food intake 
  •                Diet changes 
  •                Alternative methods of medication administration