Dysphagia or having trouble swallowing is a problem that affects around 1 in 25 adults in the United States. It is more common in people suffering from dementia or Parkinson's disease, or those who have suffered a stroke. This is because swallowing is a complex motor skill, for which multiple nerves and muscles need to coordinate. The condition can occur in almost anyone, although it is much more common among senior citizens.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Dysphagia
The common symptoms of dysphagia are:
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Feeling the need to clear the throat while or immediately after drinking or eating something.
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Creating a wet or gurgling sound while drinking or eating.
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Liquids or food getting stuck or coming out of the mouth.
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Chest congestion or recurring pneumonia right after eating.
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Experiencing weight loss or dehydration due to the inability to eat or drink properly.
The good news is that dysphagia can be treated without the need for invasive surgery, with the help of swallowing therapy at Coastal Home Rehab. Our highly qualified and experienced therapists use a combination of compensatory and direct treatment strategies to improve oral intake.
Proven Therapy for Dysphagia
In the compensatory techniques, positioning strategies are used to redirect the food's movement in the mouth safely to the esophagus. Swallowing maneuvers are used to increase the strength of swallowing movements.
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Under direct treatment strategies, exercises are used to enhance the coordination, strength and motion of the lips, tongue, jaws, cheeks, soft palate and vocal cords. This improves the ability to swallow.
So contact Coastal Home Rehab today for the dysphagia or swallowing therapy, provided by a team that works to offer tailored treatments for every patient.
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