Swallowing Conditions

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
• Recurring pneumonia or respiratory infections

It may also include a choking sensation, shortness of breath, changes to oxygen saturation levels, a wet or "gurgly" voice quality after swallowing, or unexplained weight loss.

Stages of Swallowing

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