Media Release 12 Sep 2007

Swallowing – it’s no ‘choking’ matter

Speech difficulties are usually thought to be the main focus of speech pathologists but feeding and swallowing are also areas of key interest, and this is why swallowing is the focus of Speech Pathology week across Australia.

If, like most of us, you’ve choked on a piece of food or inhaled a piece of food into your windpipe (‘gone down the wrong way’) you’ll appreciate just how important swallowing is. Most of us take our ability for granted, especially when it’s reflexive! But some people have problems initiating or completing a swallow, and may need help to overcome their problems.

Speech Pathologists understand the anatomy, physiology and dynamics of a normal swallow. They use their knowledge to promote safe and easy eating and drinking for people with feeding or swallowing difficulties.

“ Dysphagia is the term given to swallowing difficulties and disorders. Dysphagia affects children and adults, and can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, weight loss, increased length of stay in hospitals, and embarrassment or loss of interest in eating and drinking.” Says Andrea Kilov Speech Pathologist at Royal North Shore Hospital.

Speech Pathologists commonly assess and manage dysphagia in:

• premature babies with feeding difficulties
• children with syndromes/ disabilities which impact on feeding and swallowing
• adults with strokes, traumatic brain injury, degenerative conditions and disabilities
• people with head and neck cancers
• people with tracheostomy (breathing) tubes
• people relying on enteral (tube) feeding

“Before deciding on treatment, speech pathologists observe how people prepare, initiate, and complete their swallow. This helps to identify any swallowing difficulties and how and when they occur.” Andrea said.

Speech pathologists teach swallowing techniques and may suggest a diet of modified consistencies to minimise the risk of choking, aspiration (food and drinks accidentally entering the airway), or general swallowing difficulties.

Sometimes a speech pathologist might recommend a Modified Barium Swallow study for further investigations of a person’s swallowing abilities. This is an x-ray study of a person’s ability to swallow a range of foods and fluids.

Speech pathologists play an important role in preventing or minimizing the social and physical problems that come from feeding and swallowing difficulties. There is no guarantee that a person’s feeding and swallowing difficulties will improve, but it is important to address the actual difficulties and their impact on a person’s quality of life. Every dysphagia is different, and therefore, every solution is unique.

Media Contact: Liene Gulbis RNSH 99267199

Authorisation Stamp