Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Health Service: Caring for a healthier community

Your health: Acquired swallowing disorders



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A swallowing disorder may affect a person’s ability to swallow food, fluid and/or saliva safely.

What is a swallowing disorder?

A disorder which may affects a person’s ability to swallow food, fluid and/or saliva safely.

What causes a swallowing disorder?

A number of medical conditions can alter the swallowing process by affecting the muscles we use for swallowing (e.g. reduced muscle movements and coordination). Some common conditions are:

  • Stroke
  • Neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Motor Neuron disease
  • Dementia
  • Surgery (e.g. oral surgery for cancer)
  • Accidents (e.g. head injuries)
  • Developmental disabilities (e.g. Downs syndrome)

What are the Signs of a swallowing disorder?

  • Weak cough or inability to cough
  • Wet, gurgly voice (particularly after swallowing)
  • Pain whilst swallowing
  • Chest infection / Pneumonia
  • Coughing or gagging after eating or drinking
  • Needing to swallow 2-3 times for each mouthful
  • Difficulty chewing food
  • Difficulty holding food or fluid in the mouth
  • Spitting out food or fluid
  • Difficulty starting a swallow (food left in mouth)

What are the consequences of a swallowing disorder?

  • Choking
  • Inadequate nutrition
  • Dehydration
  • Poor quality of life

How can a Speech Pathologist help?

Once an assessment has been conducted by the Speech Pathologist, there are a number of therapy options and strategies that may be recommended to improve swallowing:

  • Exercises for the muscles involved in the swallow process (i.e. muscles of the lips, tongue and throat)
  • Therapy designed to stimulate the nerves involved in the swallow process
  • Diet modification – altering the consistency of food and drink to make it safer to swallow (i.e. puree diet, thickened drinks)
  • Swallowing manoeuvres to improve the safety and efficiency of an individual’s swallow (e.g. effortful swallow, upright position, head tilt)

Contact details for Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Health Service Speech Pathology are on this website.

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© Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Health Service

Last updated 11 May 2005

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