Dysphagia

Question 1

What is dysphagia?

Answer 1

Discomfort/difficulty swallowing

Question 2

What test is considered the ‘gold standard’ for diagnosing swallowing problems?

Answer 2

• Modified Barium Swallow

- Determines whether food or liquid is entering a person’s lungs, also known as aspiration.

Question 3

What are the 3 phases of a swallow?

Answer 3

1. Oral phase
2. Pharyngeal phase
3. Esophageal phase

Question 4

What happens during the oral phase?

Answer 4

• Food is chewed up, created into bolus and moved to back of mouth
• Clients with impairment: difficulty forming seal around utensil with lips
• Problems chewing and creating bolus and moving it

Question 5

What happens during the pharyngeal phase?

Answer 5

• Vocal folds/epiglottis close to keep food from entering airway
• If impaired: food can enter lungs

Question 6

What happens during the esophageal phase?

Answer 6

• Bolus moves into esophagus

- If impaired: experience heartburn, vomiting, burping, abdominal pain

Question 7

Name several conditions that may lead to dysphagia

Answer 7

• Achalasia: esophageal muscle doesn’t relax
• Diffuse spasm
• Esophageal stricture
• Esophageal tumors
• Foreign bodies
• Gastroesophageal disease
• Radiation therapy
• Neurological disorders
• Neurological damage
• Cancer

Question 8

What is the most commonly recommended compensatory strategy to improve a swallow?

Answer 8

• Sit upright
• Hips flexed to 90
• Tuck chin

Question 9

A person with hemiplegia may swallow more safely by performing what compensatory maneuver?

Answer 9

• Pharynx paralysis: Turn head toward weak side when swallowing eliminates weak side from the bolus’ travel path
• Lingual or pharyngeal weakness: Turn head towards strong side

Question 10

A person with hemi-sensory deficits may swallow more safely by performing what two compensatory maneuvers?

Answer 10

• Tongue sweep

- Finger sweep

Question 11

How long should a person sit up after eating?

Answer 11

30-60 minutes

Question 12

List three other strategies that can help a person swallow more safely.

Answer 12

1. Thicken liquids
2. Reduce size of bolus
3. Swallow twice per bite/sip

Question 13

What is the great risk that accompanies swallowing difficulties?

Answer 13

Aspiration