Dysphagia (Swallowing Disorders)

What is a swallowing disorder?

Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. It can mean that swallowing takes more effort, food feels "stuck," or eating and drinking aren't as comfortable or safe as they used to be. Dysphagia can affect people of all ages, but it becomes more common as we get older or after certain medical conditions. 

What symptoms develop due to a swallowing disorder?

People with dysphagia may experience:

• coughing or choking while eating or drinking
• sensation of food sticking in the throat or chest
• drooling or trouble managing saliva
• taking longer than usual to finish meals
• pain when swallowing
• unexplained weight loss
• frequent pneumonia or respiratory infections

Schedule an appointment at West Shore ENT & Allergy at the first sign of a swallowing problem to prevent complications like nutritional deficiencies or unwanted weight loss.

What causes swallowing disorders?

Swallowing is a complex process involving the mouth, throat and esophagus. Dysphagia can occur when any part of that system doesn't work as it should. Common causes include:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Narrowed or blocked esophagus
• Paralyzed vocal cords
• Nerve damage
• Neurological conditions (such as stroke or Parkinson's disease)
• Structural changes, injuries, or growths in the throat
• Cancer of the throat
• Age-related changes

Why It Matters:

Difficulty swallowing is not just uncomfortable - it can lead to dehydration, poor nutrition, weight loss , or food/liquid entering the airway (aspiration) which may lead to serious lung infections. 

How are swallowing disorders treated?

ENT specialists work with speech-language pathologists to assess and treat swallowing using:

• a careful medical history and exam
• imaging tests such as a swallow study (i.e. VFSS, MBS)
• A small camera gently guided through the nose to evaluate the throat and larynx and evaluate swallowing while eating food, liquids or pills (i.e. FEES)

After identifying the root cause of your swallowing problems, treatment may involve:

• swallowing therapy to improve strength and safety
• dietary modifications
• medications
• procedures to open narrowed areas
• surgery, when needed

Services Offered in our Office:

Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES):

• this examination is completed by the speech pathologist and involves gently guiding a small camera through the nose to look into the back of the throat
• It allows evaluation of a variety of foods, liquids or pills - you can bring items from home that are causing you specific difficulty for evaluation
• we can directly visualize the throat and larynx and identify any anatomical abnormalities which may be contributing to your swallowing disorder
• Allows the opportunity to try strategies during the exam to evaluate their effectiveness
• The results are reviewed with the patient immediately including the images collected

MOBILE Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES):

We are able to offer the above examination to skilled nursing facilities in the area surrounding our clinic. We bring the exam directly to the patient so their is no need for transfer to an outside facility and no long wait times to schedule. If you are interested in pursuing a contract for this service, please contact our office. 

If you develop a swallowing problem, call West Shore ENT & Allergy or schedule an appointment online.