What is dysphagia?

Dysphagia describes any problem a person may have with swallowing. Aspiration describes when food or fluids that should go into the stomach, go into the lungs instead.

Common signs of dysphagia and/or aspiration:

·       Coughing before or after swallowing

·       Much drooling, especially during meals

·       Pocketing food inside the cheek

·       Choking on certain foods, for example, white bread

·       Nose running or sneezing during dining

·       Trouble chewing

·       Trouble swallowing certain types of fluids and foods

·       Taking a very long time to finish a meal

·       A complaint of feeling like something is caught in the throat

·       A gurgly voice during or after eating or drinking

·       Much throat clearing after a meal

·       Repeated episodes of choking, frequent colds, pneumonias, or “allergies”

·       Unexplained weight loss

·       Unexplained fevers that come and go

·       Coughing when lying flat or sitting up quickly from a reclined position

Conditions that may lead to dysphagia and/or aspiration:

·       Aging

·       Fatigue

·       Seizures

·       Poor muscle function

·       Medical conditions

·       Decreased level of alertness

·       Poor dental alignment or missing teeth

·       Poor positioning or posture while eating

·       Medication side-effects that weaken ability to swallow

·       Poor eating habits described as stuffing or rapid eating

If you think that there may be a problem with your swallowing, please contact your doctor and/or your Goodcare speech therapist at (605) 403-0933.