Swallowing is something most of us never think about, until it becomes difficult. For a person with dysphagia, a meal can bring coughing, choking, or the worry that food or drink is “going down the wrong way.” Over time, many people start avoiding certain foods, eating less, or skipping meals with family and friends, and mealtimes can become stressful for everyone at the table.
Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder. It is also more common than many people realize, and it is treatable.
A Quick Note on Dysphagia
Dysphagia happens when something disrupts the muscles, nerves, or structures involved in moving food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. Common causes include:
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Progressive neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, ALS, multiple sclerosis, and dementia
- Head and neck cancer and its treatment, including surgery and radiation
- Prolonged hospitalization, including time on a breathing tube or ventilator
- Age-related changes, frailty, and reflux
Swallowing problems can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and pneumonia if food or liquid enters the airway (aspiration). Some people aspirate without coughing or any obvious sign, which is called silent aspiration. That's one reason dysphagia is worth taking seriously even when symptoms seem mild.
What Dysphagia Can Look Like
No two people experience dysphagia the same way. Depending on the cause and severity, changes might include:
- Coughing or throat clearing during or after eating or drinking
- A wet or gurgly voice after swallowing
- Food or liquid leaking from the mouth, or collecting in the cheeks
- Food feeling stuck in the throat or chest
- Taking much longer to chew or finish a meal
- Avoiding certain foods or drinks, or unintentional weight loss
- Recurring chest infections or pneumonia
How Therapy Helps
Dysphagia therapy is built around the specific pattern of difficulty a person is experiencing, since the cause and the stage of swallowing affected differ from person to person. Treatment may include:
- Swallowing exercises: strengthening and coordination exercises for the tongue, lips, jaw, and throat
- Swallowing strategies and maneuvers: techniques that change the timing or strength of the swallow to protect the airway
- Posture and positioning: adjustments, such as the position of the head and chin, that help food and liquid travel more safely
- Diet and liquid recommendations: guidance on food textures and liquid consistencies, developed together with your medical team and dietitian
- Pacing and mealtime strategies: bite size, rate, and environment changes that make eating safer and less tiring
- Caregiver strategies: training family members and caregivers to support safe, enjoyable mealtimes
Who This Is For
This service is a fit if you or a loved one:
- Has had a stroke, brain injury, cancer treatment, or neurological diagnosis and is having new trouble swallowing
- Coughs or chokes when eating or drinking, or has had repeated chest infections
- Wants to keep eating the foods they enjoy for as long and as safely as possible
Getting Started
We offer home visits across New York City and virtual sessions across New York State. Every plan starts with an individualized evaluation, so treatment reflects your specific swallowing pattern and your medical situation, not a one-size-fits-all program. When a more detailed look at swallowing function is needed, we'll coordinate with your physician to arrange the right imaging study.
If you or a loved one is choking, struggling to breathe, or has a fever with a new cough, contact your physician or seek emergency care first.
Ready to talk about next steps? Call (917) 524-6302 or reach out online to schedule a consultation.
Learn what to expect during your evaluation