swallowing disorders

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Swallowing problems can happen in all age groups, but are more common in the elderly. Normal swallowing function involves moving food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach, while keeping it out of the windpipe. Swallowing difficulties can lead to weight loss and even pneumonia when severe.  Fortunately, they are often treatable with therapy when diagnosed early.

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Common Swallowing Disorder Symptoms Include

• Coughing, choking or throat clearing while eating
• Pain or discomfort while eating
• Feeling like food gets stuck in your throat
• Feeling like food or liquid “goes down the wrong way”
• Difficulty managing mucous or secretions or drooling

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Common Causes of Swallowing Disorders

• Paralyzed vocal fold
• Tumors of the head (including brain), neck/chest, or esophagus
• Reflux of stomach contents/acid into the chest or throat
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Neurologic diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s Diseases
• Muscle weakness related to aging

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A thorough evaluation with a specialist (laryngologist) might include:

• A complete history
• A complete physical exam of the swallowing and adjacent structures
• Laryngoscopy and/or an endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, if warranted
• Imaging and/or a swallowing xray, if warranted
• Upper endoscopy with sampling of esophagus tissue – may be performed with:
• topical anesthesia in the clinic – transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE)
• sedation in the hospital – esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

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A treatment plan may include:

• Doing nothing, watchful waiting
• Medications
• Swallowing therapy with a speech and language pathologist
• In office procedures to correct any throat problems found
• Surgery

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The most important step is have an evaluation by a swallowing specialist (called a laryngologist) to reach an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations.

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Call DeFatta ENT & Allergy at (715) 828-2368 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our expert swallowing specialist.