{"id":313,"date":"2020-01-20T11:04:34","date_gmt":"2020-01-20T19:04:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/midvalleyentallergyandhearing.fm1.dev\/ent\/throat\/speech-swallowing\/"},"modified":"2020-07-15T16:35:46","modified_gmt":"2020-07-15T23:35:46","slug":"speech-swallowing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/midvalleyentallergyandhearing.com\/ent\/speech-swallowing\/","title":{"rendered":"Speech &#038; Swallowing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Swallowing Disorders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"783\" src=\"https:\/\/midvalleyentallergyandhearing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/iStock-9523344800-compressed-1280x783.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-697\" srcset=\"https:\/\/midvalleyentallergyandhearing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/iStock-9523344800-compressed-1280x783.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/midvalleyentallergyandhearing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/iStock-9523344800-compressed-768x470.jpg 768w, https:\/\/midvalleyentallergyandhearing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/iStock-9523344800-compressed-1536x939.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/midvalleyentallergyandhearing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/iStock-9523344800-compressed.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) is common among all age groups, especially the elderly. The term dysphagia refers to the feeling of difficulty passing food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. This may be caused by many factors, most of which are temporary and not threatening. Difficulties in swallowing rarely represent a more serious disease, such as a tumor or a progressive neurological disorder. When the difficulty does not clear up by itself in a short period of time, you should see an otolaryngologist &#8211; head and neck surgeon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do We Swallow?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>People normally swallow hundreds of times a day to eat solids, drink liquids, and swallow the normal saliva and mucus that the body produces. The process of swallowing has four related stages:&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The&nbsp;<strong>first<\/strong>&nbsp;stage is the oral preparation stage, where food or liquid is manipulated and chewed in preparation for swallowing.<\/li><li>The&nbsp;<strong>second<\/strong>&nbsp;stage is the oral stage, where the tongue propels the food or liquid to the back of the mouth, starting the swallowing response.<\/li><li>The&nbsp;<strong>third<\/strong>&nbsp;stage is the pharyngeal stage which begins as food or liquid is quickly passed through the pharynx, the region of the throat which connects the mouth with the esophagus, then into the esophagus or swallowing tube.<\/li><li>In the&nbsp;<strong>final<\/strong>, esophageal stage, the food or liquid passes through the esophagus into the stomach.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the first and second stages have some voluntary control, stages three and four occur involuntarily, without conscious input.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are the Symptoms of Swallowing Disorders?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Symptoms of swallowing disorders may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Drooling<\/li><li>A feeling that food or liquid is sticking in the throat<\/li><li>Discomfort in the throat or chest (when gastro esophageal reflux is present)<\/li><li>A sensation of a foreign body or &#8220;lump&#8221; in the throat<\/li><li>Weight loss and inadequate nutrition due to prolonged or more significant problems with swallowing<\/li><li>Coughing or choking caused by bits of food, liquid, or saliva not passing easily during swallowing, and being sucked into the lungs<\/li><li>Voice change<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Are Swallowing Disorders Diagnosed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When dysphagia is persistent and the cause is not apparent, the otolaryngologist &#8211; head and neck surgeon will discuss the history of your problem and examine your mouth and throat. This may be done with the aid of mirrors. Sometimes a small tube (flexible laryngoscope) is placed through the nose and the patient is then given food to eat while the scope is in place in the throat. These procedures provide visualization of the back of the tongue, throat, and larynx (voice box). These procedures are called FEES (Fiber optic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) or FEESST (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing with Sensory Testing). If necessary, an examination of the esophagus, named TransNasal Esophagoscopy (TNE), may be carried out by the otolaryngologist. If you experience difficulty swallowing, it is important to seek treatment to avoid malnutrition and dehydration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Are Swallowing Disorders Treated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of these disorders can be treated with medication. Drugs that slow stomach acid production, muscle relaxants, and antacids are a few of the many medicines available. Treatment is tailored to the particular cause of the swallowing disorder.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gastro esophageal reflux can often be treated by changing eating and living habits in these ways:<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Eat a bland diet with smaller, more frequent meals.<\/li><li>Eliminate tobacco, alcohol and caffeine.<\/li><li>Reduce weight and stress.<\/li><li>Avoid food within three hours of bedtime.<\/li><li>Elevate the head of the bed at night.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If these don&#8217;t help, antacids between meals and at bedtime may provide relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many swallowing disorders may be helped by direct swallowing therapy. A speech pathologist can provide special exercises for coordinating the swallowing muscles or stimulating the nerves that trigger the swallow reflex. Patients may also be taught simple ways to place food in the mouth or position the body and head to help the swallow occur successfully.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some patients with swallowing disorders have difficulty feeding themselves. An occupational therapist or a speech language pathologist can aid the patient and family in feeding techniques. These techniques make the patient as independent as possible. A dietician or nutritional expert can determine the amount of food or liquid necessary to sustain an individual and whether supplements are necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the cause is determined, swallowing disorders may be treated with:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>medication<\/li><li>swallowing therapy<\/li><li>surgery<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Surgery is used to treat certain problems. If a narrowing exists in the throat or esophagus, the area may need to be stretched or dilated. If a muscle is too tight, it may need to be dilated or released surgically. This procedure is called a myotomy and is performed by an otolaryngologist &#8211; head and neck surgeon.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many diseases contribute to swallowing disorders. If you have a persistent problem swallowing, see an otolaryngologist &#8211; head and neck surgeon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Causes Swallowing Disorders?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Any interruption in the swallowing process can cause difficulties. Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly can help reduce problems with swallowing. However, difficulties may be due to a range of other causes, including something as simple as poor teeth, ill-fitting dentures, or a common cold. One of the most common causes of dysphagia is gastro esophageal reflux. This occurs when stomach acid moves up the esophagus to the pharynx, causing discomfort. Other causes may include: hypertension; diabetes; thyroid disease; stroke; progressive neurologic disorder; the presence of a tracheotomy tube; a paralyzed or unmoving vocal cord; a tumor in the mouth, throat, or esophagus; or surgery in the head, neck, or esophageal areas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Swallowing difficulty can also be connected to some medications including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Nitrates<\/li><li>Anticholinergic agents found in certain anti-depressants and allergy medications<\/li><li>Calcium tablets<\/li><li>Calcium channel blockers<\/li><li>Aspirin<\/li><li>Iron tablets<\/li><li>Vitamin C<\/li><li>Antipsychotic<\/li><li>Tetracycline (used to treat acne)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Salivary Glands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The salivary glands, located in the mouth and throat, are responsible for producing saliva to keep your food moist, making it easier to chew and swallow. Saliva also aids in digestion, keeps your teeth from decaying and contains antibodies that keep your mouth clean and germ-free. Disorders of the salivary glands can interfere with these processes and lead to a variety of health problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Disorders of the Salivary Glands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When the salivary glands become swollen and inflamed, symptoms such as dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, a bad taste in the mouth, pain in the face or mouth, swelling of the jaw and neck, muscle weakness or numbness and trouble opening your mouth widely can occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Disorders of the salivary glands may be related to a variety of factors. Infections such as mumps are common, especially in children. Obstructions that limit the flow of saliva, causing it to build up in the ductal system and cause swelling, may lead to infection and, if left untreated, abscessed glands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tumors can affect the salivary glands themselves or other areas nearby such as the palate, mouth, cheeks or lips. Other disorders affecting these glands include autoimmune diseases, diabetes and excessive alcohol consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Treatment for Salivary Gland Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your doctor will usually take either a medical or surgical approach for treatment of a salivary gland disorder, depending on the underlying cause and its progression. Any abnormal lump or swelling will require a biopsy to rule out the possibility of cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are diagnosed with a tumor, then surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination will probably be recommended. Surgery might involve removing a portion or all of the salivary gland and any cancerous lymph nodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An otolaryngologist familiar with salivary gland diseases is best equipped to come up with a suitable treatment plan and will make a recommendation based on your symptoms and condition.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>Call <span class=\"company-name \">Mid-Valley ENT &amp; Allergy<\/span> at <a href=\"tel:+15419670404\" class=\"phone \"> <span class=\"phNum\">(541) 967-0404<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Swallowing Disorders Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) is common among all age groups, especially the elderly. The term dysphagia refers to the feeling of difficulty passing food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. This may be caused by many factors, most of which are temporary and not threatening. Difficulties in swallowing rarely represent a&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":201,"menu_order":10,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","schema":"","fname":"","lname":"","position":"","credentials":"","placeID":"","no_match":false,"name":"","company":"","review":"","address":"","city":"","state":"","zip":"","lat":"","lng":"","phone1":"","phone2":"","fax":"","mon1":"","mon2":"","tue1":"","tue2":"","wed1":"","wed2":"","thu1":"","thu2":"","fri1":"","fri2":"","sat1":"","sat2":"","sun1":"","sun2":"","hours-note":"","footnotes":""},"service_tags":[],"class_list":["post-313","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/midvalleyentallergyandhearing.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/313","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/midvalleyentallergyandhearing.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/midvalleyentallergyandhearing.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/midvalleyentallergyandhearing.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/midvalleyentallergyandhearing.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=313"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/midvalleyentallergyandhearing.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/313\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/midvalleyentallergyandhearing.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/201"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/midvalleyentallergyandhearing.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=313"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"service_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/midvalleyentallergyandhearing.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/service_tags?post=313"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}