Dysphasia is difficulty with swallowing, occurring at one or more of the different stages. Oral phase dysphagia is difficulty with preparing the food for swallowing, including chewing, sucking, and moving the food and liquid toward the back of the throat.
If you’ve been experiencing trouble swallowing, call Optimal Home Rehab in the greater Philadelphia area, PA to learn how our speech-language pathologists can help you to improve this skill so you can enjoy mealtimes. Schedule an appointment today for an assessment.
Different types of dysphagia
Pharyngeal phase dysphagia involves the process of moving food and liquid through the throat toward the esophagus. Difficulty with the pharyngeal phase of swallowing can lead to choking, aspiration, or getting food stuck in your throat.
Esophageal phase dysphagia is difficulty with food traveling from the top of the esophagus into the stomach. Dysphagia has many etiologies, including stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, head and neck cancer, prolonged intubation, and advanced age. Signs of dysphasia include:
- Coughing/clearing your throat during or right after eating
- Wet or gurgly sounding voice during or after eating
- Food or liquid spilling from mouth
- Recurrent pneumonia or chest congestion
- Weight loss or dehydration from not eating enough
How can speech therapy help with dysphagia?
At Optimal Home Rehab in the greater Philadelphia area, PA, one of our speech-language pathologists will work with you to screen, assess, diagnose, and treat your dysphagia symptoms. Treatment focuses on swallowing strategies to prevent aspiration and make swallowing safer for individuals.
Therapeutic exercises may be given to address the weakness of muscles involved in swallowing. Recommendations related to food textures and liquid thickness may be given to prevent aspiration. We have the capability to complete Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies to determine swallow function and detect aspiration as well.
Your treatment plan may differ from other patients because everyone is different and what works for someone else may not be the best option for you. Your Optimal Home Rehab therapist will work with you one-on-one to create a customized treatment plan that addresses your weaknesses and helps to strengthen them.
Call our practice today
Living with dysphagia can be frustrating and even scary at times. Our therapists are here to support you and help you to improve your ability to safely and comfortably swallow food and drink. Request your free screening at Optimal Home Rehab in the greater Philadelphia area, PA, and get the relief you need from dysphagia.