What is Swallowing?
Swallowing is a complex action that requires coordination of the mouth, tongue, palate and esophagus, the lack of which will cause difficulties in swallowing.
What Leads to Swallowing Disorders?
In some cases, swallowing disorders may result from certain acquired nerve and brain-related disorders in adults such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cognitive-communication and speech disorders, which may lead to memory issues, slurring of speech, weak oral muscles, communication and listening difficulties secondary to neurological issues. They may also be caused by structural or mechanical issues such as tumors or an enlarged thyroid, or esophageal motility disorders like achalasia.
Management and Therapies
-
Adult Neuro-rehab & Swallowing: If caused by neurological reasons, treatment goals focus mainly on preventing further degeneration of memory, strategies to improve coherent speech for communication, strengthening oral-facial muscles, or introducing aided communication plans.
-
Swallowing Therapy: If caused by structural or mechanical issues, compensatory strategies are employed to improve control over swallowing to prevent aspiration, along with direct treatment techniques such as exercises to improve overall range of motion and strength of oral muscles. Swallowing manoeuvres alter the timing or intensity of swallowing movements in order to properly transport food or fluids from the mouth and throat to the oesophagus. Food and liquid consistency are changed to increase control and allow for safe oral ingestion.
