The trouble swallowing solids or liquids is an indication that pilots several neurological disorders. In medical terms, it is known as Dysphagia. This problem can surface at any stage of the swallowing process, from the food passing through the throat to the digestive tract.
Swallowing treatment consists of a series of exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of your tongue and throat, allowing you to swallow more effortlessly and safely.

What Can Cause Swallowing Problems?

• Stroke, brain damage, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological diseases
• Mouth, throat, or esophageal cancer
• Injury to or surgery on the head and neck

What Skills Are Taught in Swallowing Therapy for Kids?

The primary purpose of swallowing therapy is to guarantee the kid’s eating and drinking safety. Among the skills taught in therapy include:

• Reduce the risk of inhalation when eating and increase the amount of food the kid may take at each sitting without inhalation symptoms.
• Improving the child’s swallowing capacity. Therapists work with patients to enhance their ability to conduct the swallowing processes correctly and in the correct order.
• Teaching the child how to regulate their saliva and reduce drool
• Improving the sensory awareness of the child when eating and swallowing.
• Teach the child to clear congestion and increase airway protection.

Role of Speech and Language Pathologist in Swallow Therapy:

Swallowing muscle exercises encourage your muscles to work together to assist you in swallowing.

• Compensation Strategies: To swallow better, you may need to learn how to arrange your body or how to place food in your mouth.
• Changing your eating habits: To make swallowing simpler, your speech therapist may advise you to consume particular meals and liquids.

A person with severe dysphagia may require a feeding tube in rare situations because they are unable to consume enough food and drinks.

Stroke Patient and Swallow Therapy

A stroke severely damages the entire brain and its surrounding regions. As a result, swallowing food and drink is a severe worry for stroke patients and then mostly tube feeding procedure takes place. Because of the patient’s delicate condition, a liquid diet or mashed food is advised. Initially, a therapist will assist the patient with swallowing liquid food. Regular training with liquid-based food products assists the patient in regaining their capacity to swallow and absorb meals on their own.

Some exercises include:

• Tongue push ups
• Tongue push downs
• Tongue slides
• Neck Straightener
• Straw sucker
• Effortful swallow
• Swallow control

Repeated swallowing exercises induce neuroplasticity and foster the formation of new neural networks in the brain.