Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia & Aspiration)
FEES-based evaluation and rehabilitation for swallowing difficulties and aspiration.
Overview
Understanding Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia & Aspiration)
Swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia, refer to difficulty or discomfort while swallowing food, liquids or saliva. Some patients may also develop aspiration, where food or liquids enter the airway instead of the food pipe, increasing the risk of choking and chest infections.
Swallowing problems may occur due to neurological disorders, stroke, vocal cord paralysis, head and neck cancers, ageing, acid reflux or structural abnormalities of the throat and oesophagus. At Dr. Hans' Voice & Swallowing Centre, we provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders using advanced FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing), performed by a fellowship-trained Laryngologist in collaboration with dedicated Swallowing Therapists.
- Difficulty swallowing food or liquids
- Food getting stuck in the throat
- Coughing or choking while eating
- Recurrent chest infections
- Pain while swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Wet or gurgly voice after swallowing
- Frequent throat clearing during meals
- Stroke
- Parkinson's disease
- Neurological disorders
- Vocal cord paralysis
- Head and neck cancer
- Previous throat surgery
- Age-related swallowing changes
- Acid reflux
- Structural abnormalities of the throat or oesophagus
- Detailed swallowing assessment
- Flexible Video Laryngoscopy
- FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing)
- Video Fluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS), when required
- Imaging studies in selected patients
- Swallowing therapy and rehabilitation
- Dietary modification
- Swallowing exercises
- Medical management
- Injection Laryngoplasty for aspiration due to vocal cord paralysis
- Surgical treatment, when indicated
- Nutritional counselling
Our centre offers comprehensive swallowing assessment using FEES, one of the most important investigations for diagnosing swallowing disorders. Working alongside dedicated Swallowing Therapists, we provide individualized rehabilitation programs, office-based procedures and advanced surgical management for patients with dysphagia and aspiration.
When to See a Doctor
- Difficulty swallowing for more than two weeks
- Frequent coughing or choking while eating
- Recurrent aspiration or chest infections
- Weight loss due to swallowing difficulty
- Swallowing problems after stroke or neck surgery
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing food, liquids or saliva and can occur due to neurological, muscular or structural disorders.
Aspiration occurs when food or liquids enter the airway instead of the food pipe, potentially leading to coughing, choking or recurrent chest infections.
FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) is a specialized endoscopic test that assesses swallowing function, detects aspiration and helps plan appropriate treatment.
Yes. Many patients improve with swallowing therapy, dietary modifications, medical treatment or surgery, depending on the underlying cause.
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