SWALLOWING DISORDERS

Swallowing problems can be not only other bothersome but also lead to serious health concerns.  The feeling of foods occasionally being stuck in the throat may progress to consistent difficulties with swallowing.  When foods go down the “wrong pipe” into the lungs, aspiration occurs which leads to pneumonia or death.

The first step in evaluating a swallowing problem is a thorough physical exam.  Flexible laryngoscopy evaluates the anatomy and function of the throat.  Test of swallowing include FEES, or flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and modified barium swallow study.

Click right to learn more about common swallowing conditions treated.