Swallowing is something most of us do without giving it a second thought. In fact, the average person swallows hundreds of times each day. But for some people, swallowing can become difficult, uncomfortable, or even unsafe.
This condition is known as dysphagia (pronounced dis-FAY-juh), and it can affect people of all ages. Left untreated, dysphagia can lead to serious health complications, including malnutrition, dehydration, and chest infections.
The good news is that speech pathologists are specially trained to assess and manage swallowing difficulties, helping people eat and drink as safely and comfortably as possible.
What Is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. It can affect the ability to swallow food, fluids, saliva, or medication.
Swallowing is a complex process involving the brain, muscles, nerves, mouth, throat, and oesophagus. If any part of this process is disrupted, swallowing can become difficult or unsafe.
Some people experience only mild symptoms, while others may require significant changes to the foods and fluids they consume.
What Causes Dysphagia?
There are many possible causes of dysphagia, including:
- Stroke
- Parkinson's disease
- Dementia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Motor neurone disease
- Brain injury
- Head and neck cancer
- Age-related changes to swallowing
- Neurological conditions
- Surgery involving the mouth or throat
Temporary swallowing difficulties can also occur following illness or certain medical procedures.
Common Signs of Swallowing Difficulties
Symptoms of dysphagia can vary from person to person. Some common signs include:
- Coughing or choking while eating or drinking
- A wet or gurgly voice after swallowing
- Food sticking in the throat
- Taking much longer to finish meals
- Difficulty chewing food
- Needing multiple swallows for one mouthful
- Pain when swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent chest infections or pneumonia
- Avoiding certain foods because they are difficult to swallow
If you or someone you care for is experiencing these symptoms, it's important to seek professional assessment.
Why Is Dysphagia Serious?
Swallowing difficulties are more than just an inconvenience.
When food or fluid enters the airway instead of the oesophagus, it can travel into the lungs. This is known as aspiration.
Aspiration increases the risk of developing aspiration pneumonia, which can be a serious medical condition, particularly for older adults or people with complex medical needs.
Dysphagia can also lead to:
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Reduced enjoyment of meals
- Social isolation
- Anxiety around eating and drinking
Early assessment can help reduce these risks.
How Can a Speech Pathologist Help?
Speech pathologists are the primary health professionals responsible for assessing and managing swallowing disorders.
An assessment may include:
- Discussing your medical history and symptoms
- Observing you eating and drinking different foods and fluids
- Assessing the strength and coordination of the muscles involved in swallowing
- Recommending further assessment if required
Following the assessment, your speech pathologist may recommend strategies such as:
- Changes to food textures or fluid thickness
- Safer swallowing techniques
- Positioning during meals
- Exercises to improve swallowing function
- Education for family members and support workers
- Ongoing monitoring as your needs change
Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual and aims to maximise both safety and quality of life.
Mobile Swallowing Assessments
At Speech To You, our speech pathologists provide mobile swallowing assessments across Melbourne, allowing people to be assessed in the comfort of their own home, residential aged care facility, or supported accommodation.
Assessing swallowing in a familiar environment often provides a clearer picture of everyday challenges and allows practical recommendations that can be implemented immediately by family members and carers.
When Should You Seek Help?
It's a common misconception that coughing during meals is a normal part of ageing.
While swallowing can change as we get older, persistent coughing, choking, or difficulty swallowing should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Early intervention can reduce the risk of complications and help people continue to enjoy eating and drinking safely.
We're Here to Help
If you or a loved one is experiencing swallowing difficulties, support is available.
Our experienced speech pathologists provide comprehensive swallowing assessments and personalised management plans to help people eat and drink with greater safety and confidence.
If you'd like to learn more about our services or arrange an assessment, we'd be happy to help.