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    Speech-Language Therapy

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    • Pediatric Speech Therapy
    • Swallowing Difficulties

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    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

    Not all treatments, tests and services are available at all Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Check with your preferred location in advance.