What Is Dysphagia?

Information about Dysphagia and the role of SLT

What Is Dysphagia?

Your Speech and Language Therapist may have told you that you have dysphagia.

This is a big word that you might not have heard before.

That is ok.

This leaflet will tell you what it means.

Dysphagia means that you are finding it hard to:

•Eat

•Drink

•Swallow

What Is Dysphagia?

When somebody has dysphagia they might:

•Find it hard to swallow food or drink.

•Feel like food is getting stuck in their throat or chest.

•Cough or choke when eating some things.

•Find it hard to chew or sometimes food falls out of their mouth

What might happen?

When somebody has dysphagia they might:

•Loose weight.

•Be sick.

•Have a gurgly or wet voice when you talk after swallowing

•Have trouble going to the toilet (constipation)

What might happen?

Sometimes food and drink goes down the wrong way.

It goes to the lungs instead of the tummy.

When food goes to your lungs you can become unwell and have a sore chest (chest infections).

It is very important for you to get help if you need it so that you are happy and healthy when you eat.

Chest infections

Why will I see a Speech and Language Therapist?

It is a Speech and Language Therapists job to try and keep you safe when eating and drinking.

If you are having problems eating and drinking they will come to visit you.

They will watch you when you are eating and drinking.

They want to find out what makes you cough, or why you are sore.

They want to keep you safe and happy, and make mealtimes nice for you.

They will think about different foods that will be easy for you to eat. You might have to change some of your food.

They will think about different drinks that will be easy for you to drink. You might have to change some of your drinks

They will talk to your family and support staff so they know how to keep you safe.

Produced by Speech and Language Therapy Assistant Practitioner using images sourced by NPSA, and photosymbols4

Date: December 2014