Articles
| Dysphagia and The Elderly - Swallowing Problems in the Elderly |
Swallowing is amazingly complex. People swallow an average of 300 times per day. At least 50 pairs of muscles and a network of nerves work together to get liquids and solids from the mouth to the stomach.Swallowing Is ComplexDuring the first stage of swallowing, the tongue does most of the work, chewing and moving food around. In the second stage, the tongue pushes food to the back of the throat where a reflexive action occurs to trigger swallowing. The larynx and lungs will close off to allow food and liquid to pass. If both are not closed off properly, coughing, gagging, or choking can occur. In the last stage, food or liquid is carried to the stomach through the esophagus by a process called peristalsis.Where Does Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) Come In?Swallowing problems, also called dysphagia, can occur any time during the swallowing process. Difficulty chewing or moving food to the back of the throat may occur from weak muscles in the tongue or mouth. Weak throat muscles may not be able to move food or liquid down the esophagus.Most commonly, dysphagia occurs when the swallowing reflex has been disrupted. This can occur due to stroke, neuromuscular diseases like cerebral palsy or Parkinson's disease, head trauma, even an infection or irritation. These can disrupt the swallowing reflex, the coordination of the throat muscle's, or the ability to feel sensations in the throat or mouth, as in numbness or paralysis. Getting Help With DysphagiaA person's ability to swallow will be evaluated by the speech-language pathologist. Some tests include using a lighted tube to see down the throat or videotaping a person while swallowing.Treatment by a speech pathologist or therapist may include strengthening the muscles involved in swallowing or implementing exercises that improve coordination. In some cases, patients can be taught new ways to swallow, like holding the head a certain way or using a thickener in thin liquids. Don’t Do It AloneTherapy can be a frustrating process of relearning simple tasks. Karen Barta will offer encouragement and gentle guidance throughout the patient's treatment.I can help - I am a Speech Therapist providing In-Home Speech Therapy services throughout the Denver, Colorado area. Just give me a call at 303-949-0351 or send me an email. |