Dysphagia is the term used to describe a swallowing disorder usually resulting from a neurological or physical impairment of the oral, pharyngeal or oesophageal mechanisms. Disorders of swallowing are associated with increased likelihood of aspiration, chest infections and pneumonia. Dysphagia can be a transient, persistent or deteriorating symptom according to the underlying pathology.
The role of the SLT in dysphagia management is to:
- Assess the patient's swallow to determine the likely cause of the difficulty- this may include a detailed case history, an assessment of the oro-motor muscles, oral trials/mealtime observation and possible instrumental evaluation.
- Give recommendations to help ensure the patient is swallowing safely- these may include changes to the consistency of diet or fluids, strategies or manoeuvres to increase safety when swallowing, alternative methods of feeding and/or exercises to improve the mechanisms of the muscles involved in swallowing.
