Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)

Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder. A person with dysphagia may have one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Coughing or clearing throat when eating or drinking

  • Food feeling "stuck"

  • Wet or gurgly voice when eating or drinking

  • Pain or discomfort when swallowing

  • Dry mouth

  • Weight loss

  • Pneumonia

Dysphagia can be caused be a neurological disorder or muscle weakness. Dysphagia often occurs because of a stroke or brain injury, a progressive neurological disorder, head and neck cancer and radiation treatment, or following surgery.

Speech therapy can help improve swallowing by recommending diet modifications, training swallow strategies to reduce the risk of aspiration, and teaching strengthening exercises to improve muscle function. Additional testing with a Modified Barium Swallow study or a Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing may also be recommended.