Dysphagia Flashcards
What is dysphagia?
Discomfort/difficulty swallowing
What test is considered the ‘gold standard’ for diagnosing swallowing problems?
- Modified Barium Swallow
- Determines whether food or liquid is entering a person’s lungs, also known as aspiration.
What are the 3 phases of a swallow?
- Oral phase
- Pharyngeal phase
- Esophageal phase
What happens during the oral phase?
- Food is chewed up, created into bolus and moved to back of mouth
- Clients with impairment: difficulty forming seal around utensil with lips
- Problems chewing and creating bolus and moving it
What happens during the pharyngeal phase?
- Vocal folds/epiglottis close to keep food from entering airway
- If impaired: food can enter lungs
What happens during the esophageal phase?
- Bolus moves into esophagus
- If impaired: experience heartburn, vomiting, burping, abdominal pain
Name several conditions that may lead to dysphagia
- Achalasia: esophageal muscle doesn’t relax
- Diffuse spasm
- Esophageal stricture
- Esophageal tumors
- Foreign bodies
- Gastroesophageal disease
- Radiation therapy
- Neurological disorders
- Neurological damage
- Cancer
What is the most commonly recommended compensatory strategy to improve a swallow?
- Sit upright
- Hips flexed to 90
- Tuck chin
A person with hemiplegia may swallow more safely by performing what compensatory maneuver?
- Pharynx paralysis: Turn head toward weak side when swallowing eliminates weak side from the bolus’ travel path
- Lingual or pharyngeal weakness: Turn head towards strong side
A person with hemi-sensory deficits may swallow more safely by performing what two compensatory maneuvers?
- Tongue sweep
- Finger sweep
How long should a person sit up after eating?
30-60 minutes
List three other strategies that can help a person swallow more safely.
- Thicken liquids
- Reduce size of bolus
- Swallow twice per bite/sip
What is the great risk that accompanies swallowing difficulties?
Aspiration
