Dysphagia Treatment | National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders - A community for those impacted by dysphagia

Treatment Options

Dysphagia treatment focuses on improving swallowing safety, enhancing comfort, and promoting quality of life for those affected. Each treatment plan is individualized, often depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Below are some common treatment and management options available for people with dysphagia.

Swallowing Therapy

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a central role in treating dysphagia. They use targeted exercises to improve muscle strength and coordination. Swallowing exercises may focus on specific muscle groups involved in swallowing, such as the tongue, lips, and throat, to facilitate more effective and safer swallowing.

Diet Modification

For people with severe dysphagia, modified diets are often recommended. Adjustments to food consistency, such as using pureed, soft, or thickened foods, can reduce the risk of aspiration (when food enters the airway). Thickened liquids may also slow the flow of liquids, allowing more time for the swallowing muscles to function effectively.

Postural Adjustments & Behavioral Modifications

Simple posture changes, like tucking the chin or turning the head to one side, can assist in safely guiding food and liquids. These postural techniques are often taught by an SLP after a swallowing assessment and can make a noticeable difference for some patients. Behavioral modifications, like swallowing twice after each bite, can help increase safety and efficiency for some patients.

More on Postural Adjustments and Behaviors Modifications

Adaptive Equipment

Tools such as specially designed cups, straws, or utensils can facilitate safer eating and drinking. For instance, nosey cups have a cutout design that allows for easier drinking without tilting the head backward, which may be helpful for people with limited neck control.

Pharmacological Management

In cases where dysphagia is related to conditions like acid reflux or esophageal motility disorders, medication may help. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or other medications can manage acid reflux, which might alleviate swallowing issues by reducing esophageal irritation.

Electrical Stimulation Therapy

Some SLPs use neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to stimulate and strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing. This therapy delivers small electrical currents to targeted muscles, aiming to improve coordination and muscle function over time.

Surgical Interventions

For patients with structural issues like a narrowing of the esophagus, surgical treatments might be necessary. Esophageal dilation can stretch and widen the esophagus, improving food passage. Other surgeries, such as myotomy (cutting certain muscles to improve swallowing), are sometimes recommended for certain neuromuscular causes of dysphagia.

Feeding Tubes

For those who cannot swallow safely even with other interventions, a feeding tube may be needed. Gastrostomy (G-tube) or jejunostomy (J-tube) tubes allow patients to receive nutrition directly into the stomach or small intestine, supporting their nutritional needs without the risk of aspiration.

Patient Education and Support

Education is crucial in managing dysphagia, as patients and caregivers benefit from learning strategies to reduce aspiration risks and ensure adequate nutrition. Participating in support groups or patient education programs can offer valuable support and additional resources.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

Dysphagia treatment often requires ongoing assessment and adjustment. Regular check-ins with a healthcare team allow providers to reassess swallowing function, monitor nutritional status, and make necessary modifications to the treatment plan.