Chapter 1 Introduction

Question 1

What is the definition of dysphagia?

Answer 1

Dysphagia is the medical term for swallowing disorders. As Dr. Jerilyn Logemann, a pioneer in the field of dysphagia assessment and treatment, described it, dysphagia is “any difficulty in moving food from the mouth to the stomach.”

Question 2

What is the definition of deglutition?

Answer 2

Deglutition is the medical term for swallowing

Question 3

What is the definition of penetration?

Answer 3

Penetration is the entrance of anything ingested by mouth, secretions stomach (saliva or mucous), or refluxed or regurgitated stomach contents into the laryngeal vestibule, which is bounded superiority by the epiglottis, laterally by the aryepiglottic folds, and inferiorly by true vocal folds. The term penetration indicates that material has entered the laryngeal vestibule but has not spilled below the level of the true vocal folds.

Question 4

What is the definition of aspirations?

Answer 4

Aspiration is the entrance of anything ingested by mouth, stomach contents into the laryngeal vestibule and below the level of the true vocal folds.

Question 5

What is the definition of mastication?

Answer 5

Mastication is the medical term for chewing.

Question 6

What is a bolus?

Answer 6

Bolus is a cohesive mass of food or liquid to be swallowed.

Question 7

The SLP is a primary professional involved in assessment, and management of individuals with dysphagia and is responsible for the following:

Answer 7

• Performing a clinical swallowing & feeding evaluation.
• Performing on instrumental assessment of anatomy & physiology function which medical professionals as appropriate.
• Identifying normal & abnormal swallowing anatomy & physiology.
• Identifying signs of possible or potential disorders in upper aerodigestive tract swallowing & making referrals to appropriate medical personnel.
• Making decisions, about management of swallowing & feeding disorders.
• Developing treatment plan.
• Providing treatment for swallowing & feeding disorders, documenting progress, & determining appropriate dismissal criteria.
• Providing teaching & counseling to individuals & their families.
• Educating other professionals on the needs of individuals with swallowing & feeding disorders & the SLPs role in the diagnosis & management swallowing & feeding disorders.
• Serving as an integral part of a team as appropriate.
• Advocating for services for individuals with swallowing & feeding disorders.
• Advancing the knowledge base through research activities.

Question 8

SLPs work closely with other healthcare professionals to determine an appropriate course of treatment. Treatments may include:

Answer 8

• Direct
• Rehabilitative treatment (e.g., active exercises to strengthen the structure involved in swallowing).
• Indirect
• Compensatory treatments (e.g., suggestions for optimal posture for swallowing), or
• Diet modifications (e.g., altering the texture of individuals food or liquid)