Dysphagia is simply defined as a swallowing disorder. It can
occur in any of the three phases of swallowing:
- Oral
- Pharyngeal
- Esophageal
Dysphagia is often noted in stroke survivors. Usually, dysphagia
affects the oral and/or pharyngeal phase of swallowing. The patient
coughs or chokes with attempting to swallow saliva, liquids or
food. A speech-language pathologist often evaluates a
patient's ability to swallow safely, without food or liquid
going into his or her airway/lungs and potentially causing
bronchitis or pneumonia.
The physician typically orders a bedside swallow evaluation as
necessary. Once the speech pathologist completes the evaluation, he
or she will make any necessary recommendations. These may include a
modified barium swallow, diet recommendations or modifications, or
an alternate means of nutrition.
Remember, it is very important to follow your doctor's
guidelines on swallowing. These guidelines can help to prevent
conditions including pneumonia.