Dysphagia, or swallowing disorders, can be taxing on an adult's quality of life. Whatever the cause, swallowing difficulties from a medical condition, injury, or simply aging can cause malnutrition, dehydration, or changes in aspiration pneumonia. Adult speech therapy does offer viable options to help people regain control of their swallowing. If you or a loved one is currently having some problems in this area, diploma-accredited speech therapy for adults can achieve wonders.
Swallowing Disorders in Adults- An Overview
Swallowing disorders are when food and fluid cannot be properly swallowed from the oral cavity into the stomach. Some common causes include:
● Stroke or other neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease, ALS).
● Treatments for head and neck cancers
● Muscle weakness associated with aging
● Traumatic brain injury
● Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Symptoms may include coughing or choking during eating, food feeling stuck in the throat, unexplained weight loss, or recurring pneumonia. If untreated, dysphagia poses serious health risks.
Treatment of Swallowing Disorders Via Speech Therapy
Speech therapists or speech-language pathologists (SLPs) treat swallowing, speech, and language disorders. Speech therapy for adults retains the muscles in the body while maintaining their coordinated movements, thus making swallowing safer and easier.
1. Assessment and Personalized Treatment
● SWOT analysis by a speech therapist includes:
● Muscle strength and coordination
● Imaging - e.g., Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS)
● Identification of specific difficulties, etc
A treatment plan aimed at individualized needs will be derived from this evaluation.
2. Swallowing Exercises to Strengthen Muscles
SLPs provide many exercises to help adults regain control over their swallowing, such as:
● Oral motor exercises-strengthening tongue, lips, and jaw muscles
● Effortful swallowing techniques to encourage even stronger swallows
● Mendelsohn's maneuver elevates the larynx during swallowing for airway protection.
● Supraglottic swallow technique- stops food from entering the airway.
3. Shake-it Loss-Comparative Diets for Safer Swallowing
Therapy is prescribed for reduced food textures and liquid consistency to minimize choking hazards in speech and language pathologists. Some common adjustments may include:
● Pureed foods for easier swallowing
● Thickened liquids to avoid aspiration
● To have small but more frequent meals
4. Techniques for Postural Adjustment and Safe Swallowing
We can improve safety in swallowing if we change the position of our head, such as in the chin tuck technique. The therapists teach the patients to take their time when eating and drinking to avoid aspiration.
5. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for Swallowing Therapy
Some adult speech therapy programs use NMES, which involves sending small electrical currents to stimulate the swallowing muscles to enhance coordination.
Finding Speech Therapy for Adults in Ohio
If you are interested in speech therapy for adults in Ohio, you should find a licensed speech therapist specializing in the treatment of dysphagia. Those interested should also find clinics or telehealth services that treat adult swallowing disorders.
Conclusion
Dysphagia can be difficult to cope with, but with proper speech therapy for adults, clients can recover their abilities and enjoy mealtimes with their families. If you or a loved one requires adult speech therapy, get help now. Call Street Simple Therapy to find your personalized plan and improve your life!
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