Dysphagia (Swallowing Difficulties) - Mankato, Minnesota

Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is common in older adults, but it can happen at any age. Swallowing problem causes vary, and treatment depends on the cause. Speech-language pathologists will determine the best treatment plan to help you increase your safety and swallowing efficiency.

Signs and symptoms that can be associated with dysphagia can include:

• Coughing or gagging when swallowing
• Drooling
• Food or stomach acid backing up into your throat
• Frequent heartburn
• Hoarseness
• Not being able to swallow
• Pain while swallowing (odynophagia)
• Regurgitation
• Sensation of food getting stuck in your throat, chest or behind your breastbone (sternum)
• Unexpected weight loss

Patients with any of these conditions may have problems with swallowing or feeding:

• Apraxia
• Brain injury
• Cancer
• Cardiac problems
• Cerebral palsy
• Dementia or Alzheimer's disease
• Muscular dystrophy
• Neurological conditions
• Oral weakness
• Parkinson's disease
• Reflux
• Spina bifida
• Tube feedings

Speech-language pathologists will use several methods to determine the most appropriate therapy for you. You will be evaluated and together we will create a personal plan for therapy.

Your therapy may include:

• Compensatory techniques
• Diet modification to increase safety
• Laryngeal pharyngeal strengthening and coordination exercises
• Optimal positioning to increase safety
• Oral motor strengthening and coordination