Swallowing Problems
Having a hard time swallowing is called dysphagia. It can affect eating,
drinking, and taking medicine. Swallowing problems may lead to poor
nutrition.
Signs of Swallowing Problems
• Coughing, choking or a gurgling voice while eating and drinking
• Feeling food stuck in your throat or mouth
• Drooling
• Having a weak cough or weak voice
• Having trouble or pain with swallowing
• Avoiding some or all food or liquids
Swallowing problems can be caused by:
• A stroke
• Head and neck cancer
• Injuries to the throat
• A head injury
• Brain disorders
• Radiation
• Some medicines
• A tracheostomy
Your Care
If your doctor suspects a swallowing problem, a Speech Language
Pathologist, called a SLP, may need to check your swallowing. The SLP is
trained to help patients with swallowing problems. Swallowing problems
are checked two ways:
• Swallowing check: The SLP watches you eat food and drink liquids that
are thick and thin. If swallowing problems are seen, more testing may be
needed.
• Modified barium swallow: This test is done to check how you swallow.
X-ray pictures are taken as foods and liquids move from your mouth
through your throat.
Based on the results of the tests, your care may include: