1
Q
ASHA’s position on the role of the SLP and Dysphagia
A
- Speech-language pathologists are knowledgeable about normal and abnormal anatomy, physiology, and neurophysiology of the upper aerodigestive tract responsible for respiration, swallowing and speech
- Perform clinical feeding and swallowing evaluations
- Perform instrumental assessments that delineate structures and dynamic functions of swallowing
- Define the abnormal swallowing anatomy and physiology and diagnose swallowing disorders
- Identify additional disorders in the upper aerodigestive tract and make referrals to appropriate medical personnel
- Make recommendations about management of swallowing and feeding disorders
- Develop treatment plans for individuals with swallowing and feeding disorders
- Provide treatment for swallowing and feeding disorders, document progress and determine appropriate dismissal criteria
- Teach and counsel individuals and their families about swallowing and feeding disorders
- Educate other professionals regarding the needs of individuals with dysphagia, and the SLPs’ role in the evaluation and management of swallowing and feeding disorders
- Serve as an integral part of a multidisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary team as appropriate
- Advocate for services for individuals with swallowing and feeding disorders. •Advance the knowledge base on swallowing and swallowing disorders through research activities
2
Q
Why the SLP and not the ENT, GI, Pulmonologist or Internist
to treat Dysphagia?
A
- Speech-language pathologists are knowledgeable about normal and abnormal anatomy, physiology, and neurophysiology of the upper aerodigestive tract responsible for respiration, swallowing and speech
- Speech-language pathologists are not only interested in the diagnosis of dysphagia, but also the therapeutic application and management of the swallow
3
Q
Differences between swallowing and feeding
A
- Feeding is limited to the placement of food in the mouth (manipulation, chewing)
- Swallowing is the entire act from the placement of food in the mouth (feeding) through oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal stages until food enters the stomach through the gastroesophageal juncture
4
Q
What is dysphagia?
A
Any difficulties moving food from the mouth to the stomach
5
Q
Saliva
A
- serves to maintain oral moisture and reduce tooth decay
- assists in digestion and is a natural neutralizer of stomach acid
- average person swallow approx 1-2 qts of saliva per day
6
Q
hyoid bone
A
- seen in pharyngeal stage
- forms foundation of the tongue
- articulates as no other bone
- body of tongue sits on the hyoid bone as it is embedded in the base of the tongue
7
Q
A
