Difficulty Swallowing? We Have Answers.

As many as 15 million Americans suffer from dysphagia, a condition that causes difficulty swallowing, and 1 million new patients are diagnosed annually. The disorder affects 50 to 75 percent of all stroke patients and 60 to 70 percent of patients who undergo radiation therapy for head and neck cancers.

Swallowing is a voluntary and involuntary response that most people take for granted. The swallow system is actually a complex process that involves more than 50 pairs of muscles and 6 cranial nerves to move food from the mouth to the stomach. People who suffer from dysphagia may find it challenging to take in enough daily calories and fluids to nourish the body. And for those with medical conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and certain types of cancers, proper nutrition and hydration are extremely important to their care and rehabilitation. In severe cases, dysphagia can even be life-threatening. If weak swallowing muscles fail to move food and liquids toward the stomach, bits of food and/or liquids may fall into the windpipe (trachea), increasing the chance of a lung infection and pneumonia as a result of aspiration.

At Southside Regional Medical Center’s unique Dysphagia Clinic, a comprehensive assessment can determine the best treatment plan for solving one’s individual swallowing issues.

Imagine…enjoying your favorite solid foods again.