Swallowing Disorders

Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing, and can cause coughing while eating or drinking, food “getting stuck,” respiratory infections, malnutrition and weight loss. Since causes vary, a speech therapy evaluation is important to identify why the dysphagia is occurring and then determine an appropriate treatment plan.

Recommendations may include referral for a MBS (modified barium swallow) exam, GI consult or ENT consult depending on specific needs. Your therapy plan should be specific to your needs, and may include swallowing exercises, special strategies, diet texture changes and education.

“My wife and I met Julie after I had 2 surgeries for throat cancer, and was approaching 6 weeks of radiation. Her expertise and patient care helped during the difficult radiation period, and recovery afterwards. She put into place an exercise routine, and checked on my general welfare and nutrition for speech and swallow therapy. 3 years later I still use her techniques, and have had doctors enthused over my recovery. I truly believe that Julie played a large part in the good health that I now enjoy.”

“Thanks Julie!”

— Gary and Joan