Swallowing Disorders

Many conditions can affect how the throat works, sometimes making normal activities like swallowing harder to do.  While many people tend to think of swallowing as a simple process, the complex muscle coordination needed to swallow can actually become quite difficult for some, leading to problems while eating or digesting food. 

Dysphagia 

Dysphagia is a medical term that refers to difficulty swallowing. Dysphagia can cause the feeling of “food or liquid going down the wrong pipe,” or food sticking in the throat.  

Symptoms of a Swallowing Disorder 

Aside from pain or a feeling that food is getting stuck within the throat, there are several other noteworthy symptoms that often signal a swallowing disorder. These symptoms include: 

• Regurgitation through the throat or the nose 
• Needing to slowly chew your food for extended periods of time 
• Feeling the need to add a drink of water to wash the food down or clear the mouth out. Helping aid in the swallow.  
• Feeling the need to cough or clear the throat during or after meals 
• Difficulty breathing after consumption of food or drinks 
• A sore throat 
• Hoarse vocal tone 
• A gurgling noise that comes from the throat during or following a meal 
• Inability to contain food and beverages within the mouth at all times 
• Pain with swallowing 
• Sensation in throat with swallowing or at all times 

Individuals with a swallowing disorder may begin to lose weight or become dehydrated as a result of these issues. More serious health complications may also arise, such as pneumonia  (lung infection). 

Diagnostic Testing for Dysphagia 

Before treatment can begin, it is critical that the source of the patient’s swallowing troubles be identified. The diagnostic process typically begins by assessing how well the swallowing mechanism is able to process food and drinks consumed by the patient. 

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) assess swallowing disorders in a variety of ways. They may first assess a patient by performing what is often called a Clinical Swallow Evaluation, where the SLP assesses the anatomy and the movements of an individuals mouth and throat; then, they observe a patient eating and drinking. If any symptoms of dysphagia are present, the SLP may then perform a Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS) or Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evalution of Swallowing (FEES). These are instrumental evaluations and are considered by the Gold Standard to diagnose and treat dysphagia.  If a patient’s issues appear to be more esophageal in nature, they may be referred for other tests.

Swallowing Disorder Treatments from Big Stone Therapies 

Once the SLP has completed diagnostic testing and identified the source of your swallowing difficulties, the next step is creating a personalized treatment plan. For many patients, working with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is the most effective way to improve swallowing function and regain confidence with eating and drinking. 

Speech-Language Pathology for Swallowing Disorders 

Speech-language pathologists are highly trained in evaluating and treating dysphagia and other swallowing problems. Depending on your diagnosis, an SLP may provide: 

• Swallowing Exercises – Targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing and improve coordination. 
• Safe Swallowing Techniques – Training in strategies such as posture changes, modified swallowing methods, or specific breathing patterns to make swallowing safer and more effective.  
• Dietary Modifications – Guidance on food textures and liquid thickness to reduce choking risk and ensure proper nutrition. 
• Compensatory Strategies – Practical tools and routines to help you eat more comfortably and with less stress. 
• Education & Support – Teaching patients and their families how to manage swallowing challenges at home and in social settings. 

Lifestyle Adjustments 

In addition to therapy, small changes can make a big difference. Sitting upright during meals, taking smaller bites, chewing thoroughly, and avoiding foods that are hard to swallow may reduce symptoms. Your SLP can provide individualized recommendations to make eating safer and more enjoyable. 

Collaborative Care 

For some patients, swallowing disorders are related to underlying medical conditions. In these cases, your care team—including your ENT, gastroenterologist, or primary physician—may recommend medications or additional treatments alongside SLP therapy. 

Advanced Interventions 

If swallowing difficulties become severe, more intensive medical options such as feeding tube support or surgical procedures may be discussed. However, many individuals see meaningful improvement through ongoing work with a speech-language pathologist, avoiding the need for surgical intervention. 

At Big Stone Therapies, our team is dedicated to helping patients find the least invasive and most effective solutions for swallowing disorders. By working closely with a speech-language pathologist, you can strengthen your ability to swallow safely and return to the activities and meals you enjoy most. Schedule a consultation today!