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Dysphagia
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Difficulty swallowing or “dysphagia” can occur for many reasons. The degree of difficulty can range from mild, almost undetectable to a complete inability to swallow. Regardless of severity, the prompt diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia is critical to avoid additional serious medical complications such as aspiration pneumonia or dehydration.
Because dysphagia presents with such a range of symptoms, diagnostic methods and treatment protocols are best determined by skilled, highly trained specialists. Patient input is also a key element in adhering to recommendations made by healthcare professionals. The Connecticut Swallowing Center offers a unique, comprehensive, state-of-the-art team approach to patients with dysphagia.
Initial evaluation is done at our diagnostic center in Fairfield. Using the newest technology designed for accuracy and patient comfort, doctors and speech-language pathologists can pinpoint problem areas by actually visualizing the patient’s swallow. Because this new technology does not require exposure to X-rays, there is minimal risk to the patient; diagnosis is based on thorough and accurate evaluation procedures.
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Once a diagnosis is made, patients may be seen in any of our five treatment sites with oversight by the original diagnostic team. A treatment protocol can then be carefully tailored to each patient’s particular needs. This team approach offers the patient consistent monitoring of progress with prompt, periodic reports to the patient’s primary care physician.
The Connecticut Swallowing Center’s comprehensive approach is unique in that diagnosis, follow-up treatment, progress monitoring and reporting is centralized for optimal results and a minimum of administrative delays. If difficulties or setbacks arise during the course of treatment, immediate adjustments can be made with input from all professionals involved from the evaluators to the treatment team. This way complications from delays can be avoided. We believe that the best medical care is personal, comprehensive and patient driven. Minimizing the stress a patient experiences in getting appropriate and prompt care is a significant benefit to a patient’s overall well-being.
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Ten Signs And Symptoms
To Watch For
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Frequent coughing or throat clearing during meals.
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A sensation of food sticking in the throat.
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A history of recurrent pnemonia or aspiration pneumonia.
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Significant unexplained weight loss.
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Difficulty chewing or holding food/liquids in the mouth when eating.
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A change in your swallowing ability after surgery.
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A change in your swallowing ability after illness.
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Regurgitation/vomiting.
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Acid reflux.
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Dehydration.
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