Dysphagia and Swallowing Therapy 101: Your Quick Guide

Having dysphagia can really interrupt your day-to-day activities. When eating and drinking is difficult, many people may experience feelings of embarrassment and isolation.

While it’s easy to feel a little hopeless, there are professionals here to help you live a better life. Take a look at this quick guide to dysphagia and swallowing therapy! 

What Exactly Is Dysphagia? 

Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that can occur because of various medical conditions. It can take much more effort to do things like move food or liquid from your mouth to your stomach. Dysphagia can cause symptoms like coughing, choking, or throat clearing when eating or drinking. 

What Happens If Dysphagia Goes Untreated? 

If dysphagia remains untreated, it can have serious effects on your health. For instance, you may suffer from malnutrition, dehydration, and chronic lung disease.

Is There Dysphagia and Swallowing Therapy?

Yes! Some speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have specialized training to diagnose and manage your dysphagia. SLPs are able to recognize causes, signs, and symptoms of dysphagia in order to make an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan for their clients.

What is Therapy Like for Dysphagia? 

Treatment for dysphagia can include learning techniques to swallow more easily, swallowing exercises, or how to change your diet to make swallowing easier. There are now cutting-edge treatments, like virtual reality therapies, that can improve your swallowing function.

Turn to Adult Speech Therapy Services For Superior Results in Dysphagia and Swallowing Therapy 

Whether it’s you or someone you care for, dealing with dysphagia is difficult. Don’t go through it on your own. Let Adult Speech Therapy Services help you get life back on track.

Contact us today at 301-323-8486 to schedule a free phone consultation. We are in-network with Medicare and Medicaid!