62921 Dysphagia: Treatment

Course overview

Discussion of the treatment of dysphagia, including a look at the basic anatomy and physiology involved in swallowing, compensatory strategies used to treat swallowing disorders, and benefits of using an interprofessional collaborative practice model when treating individuals with swallowing disorders. Swallowing is a complex process, requiring multiple muscles and nerves to work in coordination, and dysphagia may occur when there is a problem with neural control or the structures involved during swallowing. Dysphagia is a potentially serious medical problem that may lead to pneumonia, malnutrition, or dehydration. Dysphagia affects approximately one in 25 adults and may cause significant anxiety related to eating. The etiology of dysphagia may be multifactorial, and a comprehensive assessment is necessary to ensure that appropriate treatment can be initiated. Part two of this two-part program reviews the stages of swallowing and discusses dietary modifications, compensatory strategies used for patients with dysphagia, swallowing exercises, and the role of the interdisciplinary healthcare team in caring for individuals with dysphagia.