Swallowing Conditions and Treatments
Contact Information
Swallowing Clinic, UW Hospital
(608) 265-8588
ENT, UW Hospital
(608) 263-6190
ENT, 1 S. Park
(608) 287-2500
Related Services
Pediatric Services
Swallowing disorders and conditions are treated by UW Health's highly-trained team of otolaryngology specialists.Swallowing is a complicated function that the body does relatively automatically. But if an injury, disease, or another problem impairs the body's ability to perform this important function, it can have significant medical, physical and psychological consequences.
The professionals at UW Health's Swallowing Clinic evaluate and treat adult and pediatric patients with concerns about their swallowing function. We perform comprehensive reviews, taking into consideration any medical, surgical, lifestyle, occupational and emotional factors related to your concern.
Using technology such as videofluoroscopy and relying upon our staff's expert clinical skills, we provide an effective and pleasant environment for consultation and rehabilitation.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a swallowing disorder (also called dysphagia) include:
- Difficulty chewing solids
- Having food or liquids dripping out of the mouth
- Asensation of food "sticking" in the throat
- Coughing before, during, or shortly after swallowing
It may also include a choking sensation, shortness of breath, changes to oxygen saturation levels, a wet or "gurgly" voice quality after swallowing, repeated pneumonia, or unexplained weight loss.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a swallowing disorder involves a clinical swallowing examination, possibly followed by procedures such as a modified barium swallow study (MBSS) or a flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES).
Methods of diagnosis include:
- Clinical Swallowing Examination
- Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS)
- Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing
Treatments and Services
Possible treatments and services include:
- Developing swallowing strategies
- Diet modification
- Swallowing exercises
- Evaluation and treatment of vocal cord dysfunction
- Evaluation and treatment of chronic coughs
- Diagnosis and treatment of swallowing problems
- Evaluation and treatment of problems associated with cleft lip/palate and craniofacial anomalies
- Diagnostic and treatment services for persons with communication problems associated with head and neck cancer
- Consultation for occupational voice and work-related voice disorders