It’s difficult to know where to turn when you have concerns with your voice or with swallowing. Do you talk to your primary care doctor or someone else?
Take a look at what you need to know about voice and swallowing conditions and where you can find the right treatment.
Why Do You Need Swallowing Therapy?
Most people need swallowing therapy when they have a condition called dysphagia. This occurs when the brain cannot communicate effectively with your muscles and nerves that control activities like chewing and swallowing.
Some people say it feels like food gets stuck in their throat. Others say that food or liquid “goes down the wrong way.”
What Causes Dysphagia?
Dysphagia can have many causes, including stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or Parkinson’s disease. It can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and social isolation if left untreated. Common symptoms include:
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Coughing
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Difficulty chewing
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Drooling
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Pain with swallowing
Why Do You Need Voice Therapy?
There are a lot of reasons you might need voice therapy. You might experience frequent laryngitis, chronic hoarseness, or have a condition called dysphonia.
When you’re experiencing voice issues, you need to find a speech therapist that works closely with your ear, nose, and throat doctor in order to improve your voice health. Voice therapy can include:
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[Botox injections]
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Maintain breathing habits to support your voice
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Vocal exercises
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Learning to decrease vocally abusive behaviors
Is There a Cure for Dysphagia and Chronic Voice Problems?
When working with the right professionals, which often include an ENT and a speech-language pathologist, you can learn to manage or even resolve your swallowing and voice issues.
These professionals will rely on medical treatments and therapies to improve your voice and swallowing function. It is important to work with a speech-language pathologist, with experience treating voice and swallowing difficulties.
Find the Answers You’re Looking for From Our Trusted Partners at Adult Speech Therapy Services!
Still searching for answers about swallowing and voice therapy? Then turn to the speech-language pathology experts at Adult Speech Therapy Services who we know and trust.
They are here to provide you with quality, comprehensive care. If you need help managing the symptoms of a voice or swallowing disorder, call them today at 301-323-8486!