Difficulty with swallowing is called dysphagia and can be caused by a variety of reasons including degenerative diseases, such as ALS, dementia, and injury. Dysphagia can lead to taking food or water into the lungs (aspiration), choking and malnutrition.
Symptoms of
Dysphagia Include:
Pain when swallowing (odynophagia)
Being unable to swallow
Feeling like food is getting stuck in your throat
Holding food in the mouth
Drooling
Wet or gurgly voice
Hoarse or raspy voice, throat clearing
Bringing food back up (regurgitation)
Frequent heartburn
Weight loss
Coughing, gagging or choking when swallowing
When working with clients, it is our primary goal to ensure they avoid aspiration or choking, and that they get adequate nutrition and hydration, while allowing a diet with the least restrictions. Our clinicians are trained in clinical examinations to assess for swallowing disorders (dysphagia), as well as experienced in behavioural and dietary treatment.
If you are concerned that you may have Dysphagia, see your family doctor or contact our clinic for more information.
Dysphagia, the name used for swallowing disorders, is characterized by difficulties in swallowing. Individuals suffering from dysphagia may take more effort to swallow food. The problem has a number of causes the most notable being a stroke.
Our team specializes in speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy for children, adults, and seniors. Our offices are in Thunder Bay, Ontario, but we travel to communities in Northwestern Ontario.