What is Dysphagia?
Are you or your loved one experiencing difficulty with swallowing? You're not alone. Swallowing disorders - also known as dysphagia - are estimated to impact over 9 million Americans annually.
This condition can range from mild discomfort to a complete inability to swallow, making it challenging for individuals to eat, drink, or even manage saliva safely.
For many, dysphagia can significantly impact daily life, requiring adjustments to diet, eating habits, and sometimes medical interventions. Understanding dysphagia is the first step in addressing its challenges effectively, and the sooner the better.
How Swallowing Works
Swallowing is a complex process that involves the coordination of muscles and nerves in three key phases:
- Oral Phase: The process begins in the mouth, where food is chewed, mixed with saliva, and formed into a bolus (a manageable shape for swallowing).
- Pharyngeal Phase: The bolus moves to the back of the throat, where the swallowing reflex takes over. This phase includes the closure of the airway to prevent food from entering the lungs.
- Esophageal Phase: The bolus travels down the esophagus into the stomach through coordinated muscle contractions.
A disruption in any of these phases can result in dysphagia.
What Causes Dysphagia?
Dysphagia can arise from various medical conditions, including:
- Neurological Disorders: Conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis can impair the muscles and nerves involved in swallowing.
- Structural Issues: Narrowing of the esophagus (strictures), tumors, or scar tissue can obstruct the passage of food.
- Muscle Weakness: Diseases like myasthenia gravis or ALS may weaken the swallowing muscles.
- Aging: Natural changes in muscle strength and coordination as we age can make swallowing more difficult.
- Reflux Disease: Chronic acid reflux can damage the esophagus, leading to swallowing difficulties.
Signs and Symptoms of Dysphagia
Dysphagia may present with a range of symptoms, such as:
- Coughing or choking during meals
- A sensation of food sticking in the throat or chest
- Regurgitation of food or liquids
- Difficulty managing saliva
- Frequent respiratory infections or aspiration pneumonia
- Unexplained weight loss or dehydration
If you or someone you care for experiences these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.
Managing Dysphagia
Treatment for dysphagia depends on the underlying cause and severity. Common interventions include:
- Diet Modifications: Soft, pureed, or thickened foods and drinks can make swallowing safer and easier.
- Medical or Surgical Interventions: In some cases, addressing structural issues or underlying conditions can alleviate symptoms.
- Swallowing Therapy: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) use targeted exercises and techniques to improve swallowing function. They may also recommend medical device-facilitated treatment options, such as the Tongueometer.
What is the Tongueometer?
The Tongueometer is an evidence-based treatment tool designed to help people with dysphagia by objectively measuring and strengthening the tongue. Backed by clinical research, it provides reliable biofeedback during therapy, helping patients track progress and stay motivated. By targeting tongue strength—a key factor in safe and effective swallowing—the Tongueometer enables speech-language pathologists to deliver personalized, data-driven interventions that improve outcomes and enhance quality of life for individuals living with swallowing disorders.
Comes with a FREE downloadable application for your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet
Application includes 4 modules to assess and exercise tongue strength and endurance
Automatically stores exercise data within the application
Displays visual biofeedback and encouragement to increase motivation
Sends data reports to anyone with the click of a button
Costs 80% less than similar devices on the market and does not require a prescription
Why Awareness Matters
Dysphagia affects millions of people worldwide and can have profound physical, emotional, and social impacts. By raising awareness and improving access to effective treatments, individuals regain a sense of normalcy and safety in eating and drinking.
About the Author
Elizabeth Daly, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist. She received her Master's in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Wisconsin. As the EVP for E2Scientific Corp, she guides the clinical practices, documentation and education process for Tongueometer to the SLP and patient communities. In addition to working in the acute care setting, Elizabeth is also the Executive Director for the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders.