Swallowing Disorders: Assessment & Therapy Services
Swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia ("dis FAY juh"), affect a person's ability to swallow. Problems may occur with chewing, moving the liquid/food from the mouth to the throat, squeezing the food down the throat, and closing off the airway during the swallow so that food does not cause choking.
There are many causes of dysphagia including: stroke; brain injury; spinal injury; Parkinson's disease; multiple sclerosis; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); muscular dystrophy; cerebral palsy; Alzheimer's disease; cancer of the mouth, throat or esophagus; and injury or surgery involving the head and neck.
Symptoms of swallowing disorders include:
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poor nutrition or dehydration |
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risk of aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway) which can lead to pneumonia; |
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coughing during or right after eating or drinking |
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wet or gurgly sounding voice during or after eating or drinking |
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food or liquid leaking from the mouth or getting stuck in the mouth |
Capland Center offers assessment and therapy services for individuals experiencing swallowing disorders. An initial swallowing evaluation will be conducted and treatment will be recommended as warranted. Individuals should also consult their doctors about any possible medical problem that may be causing the swallowing problem.
For more information about swallowing disorders, contact the Capland Center today.
