The Voice Clinic
Swallowing Disorders or Dysphagia
People with this condition have difficulty with swallowing. Some people with dysphagia may be unable to swallow solid foods, liquids, or even saliva. This can lead to the patient becoming malnourished, since he or she is unable to take in enough calories. Dysphagia can also lead to serious infections when poor swallowing causes food to get trapped in the lungs or outside the esophagus.
Dysphagia happens when the larynx does not close tightly during swallowing and when the pharynx or throat does not move food to the esophagus in a coordinated or effective way. Dysphagia is often seen in patients who have suffered strokes but can also occur following neck surgery or after radiation treatments for head and neck cancer.
Swallowing can also be impacted by muscle tension patterns in the tongue, jaw and throat. Often cases that do not present dangers due to aspiration of liquids or solids following visualization testing, present patterns of tension in the mouth and throat that can be easily fixed. Muscle Tension Dysphagia is similar to losing the voice to tension and therefore, many exercises that can treat voice tension can treat swallowing tension as well. Book an appointment with Aaron if this has taken over your daily life.
If you notice symptoms that you think could fit any of these conditions, consult your doctor immediately for referral.
Dr. Osborn and Dr. Low examine a patient's throat
Dr. Osborn and Dr. Low examine a patient's throat
FEES - Swallow Testing
Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow (FEES) is completed to assess the pharyngeal/laryngeal phase of swallowing. Each patient is observed consuming foods and liquids for evaluation of aspiration, penetration, and pharyngeal and laryngeal phase dysfunction.
Symptoms of Swallowing Disorders:
- Drooling
- A feeling that food or liquid is sticking in the throat
- Discomfort in the throat or chest (when reflux present)
- A sensation of a foreign body or “lump” in the throat
- Weight loss and inadequate nutrition due to prolonged or more significant problems with swallowing
- Coughing or choking caused by bits of food, liquid, or saliva not passing easily during swallowing, and being sucked into the lungs.
Popular Services
ENT Medicine
Ear, nose, and throat medicine (also called otolaryngology or otorhinolaryngology) encompasses a wide range of medical and surgical conditions.
Speech & Voice Therapy
Many people who use their voices for a living may experience either temporary or, on occasion, more long-lasting problems with their voices.
Special Services
Whether you’re suffering from enlarged tonsils, loud snoring or waking up through the night, we’re here to help.
Contact Us
Fill out the form below, and we will contact you during our business hours.