Feeding and swallowing disorders (also known as dysphagia) affect a person’s ability to eat, drink, chew or swallow safely and effectively. These disorders can impact nutrition, hydration, growth and overall health—and can occur in both children and adults.
Because safe swallowing involves the coordination of the mouth, throat and often medical factors, these concerns often require support from a medical-based, multidisciplinary team that includes speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, dietitians and medical specialists.
Signs of a Feeding or Swallowing Disorder
In infants and children:
- Refusing food or liquid consistently
- Coughing, choking or gagging during meals
- Long feeding times or difficulty transitioning to solids
- Poor weight gain or growth
- Frequent respiratory illness (potential aspiration)
In adults:
- Difficulty swallowing pills, liquids or solids
- Coughing or throat clearing during or after eating
- Feeling like food is “stuck” in the throat
- Unexplained weight loss
- History of stroke, neurological disease or head/neck surgery
How Feeding and Swallowing Issues Are Treated
Feeding and swallowing disorders often require care from clinics or hospitals equipped to provide medical oversight and diagnostic tools, such as:
- Modified barium swallow studies (MBSS)
- Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES)
- Nutritional and GI assessments
- Intensive feeding therapy for children with complex needs
Our Approach at the Center for Hearing and Speech
While we specialize in speech, language, fluency, voice and social communication services, we recognize the importance of identifying and addressing feeding and swallowing issues early.
Currently, our clinic does not provide direct treatment for feeding or swallowing disorders, but we are happy to:
- Provide initial guidance if you have concerns
- Refer you to appropriate medical-based feeding teams or specialty clinics
- Collaborate with providers as part of a broader care team, when appropriate
When To Reach Out
If you or your child is experiencing signs of a feeding or swallowing disorder, don’t wait. These issues can affect overall health and development and should be evaluated by trained professionals.
Call Center for Hearing & Speech at (314) 968-4710 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
