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Swallowing Therapy
About Swallowing Disorders
Dysphagia / Swallowing Disorders
A normal swallowing process comprises several stages as food and liquid move from the mouth, down the back of the throat, through the esophagus and into the stomach. Problems with swallowing can occur at any of these stages, such as oral spillage due to difficulties in controlling liquid in the oral cavity when drinking, and choking due to food entering the airway when swallowed.
According to a study released by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority in Year 2005, over 50% of the elderly (>1000 subjects) were diagnosed to have swallowing disorders. Individuals with strokes, dementia and Parkinson’s disease are at high risk. Aspiration pneumonia, reduced body weight, malnutrition, dehydration are the possible consequences of swallowing disorders.
Speech Therapists can provide clinical swallowing assessment and rehabilitative training for individuals with difficulties in swallowing.
Symptoms of Swallowing Disorders
The most common symptom of swallowing difficulties is choking. However, some patients may not show obvious symptoms (e.g. no coughing when aspiration occurs). Please consult your Doctor or Speech Therapist for professional diagnosis.
Swallowing Assessment / Dysphagia Evaluation
- Bedside AssessmentSwallow test with different food consistencies to look for signs of aspiration
- Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBS) / Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) / "X-ray"
- a video X-ray examination procedure that provides objective information on the food bolus transport process from the oral cavity to the esophagus
- compensatory strategies for more effective swallow may also be assessed
- - Fiberoptic Endoscopic Examination of Swallowing (FEES)a dynamic laryngopharyngoscopic examination of swallowing abnormalities and aspiration
Rehabilitative Training for Swallowing Disorders / Dysphagia
