Swallow Therapy
A swallow (dysphagia) evaluation and therapy is recommended if you or your loved one has any of the following symptoms:
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Coughing or throat clearing during meals
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Wet sounding voice during or after eating or drinking
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Extra time needed to chew or swallow
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Food getting stuck in the mouth
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Difficulty keeping liquids or saliva in the mouth
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History of pneumonia
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Weight loss or dehydration due to not eating or drinking enough
Swallowing problems can result from a variety of neurological or physical impairments. A speech-language pathologist completes a dysphagia evaluation to determine the phase of the disorder, potential causes, and treatment methods. Treatment of swallowing problems incorporates education in strategies for safe swallowing, recommendations for food textures and positioning, and a personalized exercise program. Premier Speech & Language Associates offers Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for those who are candidates.