Swallowing Disorders
Swallowing problems • Diagnosis • Treatments • About Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
Get effective, coordinated care from our qualified otolaryngologist and certified speech pathologist.
Dysfunction of the swallowing mechanism can lead to potentially serious health consequences. It is important that you address your swallowing concerns and obtain a thorough evaluation by a knowledgeable ENT and Speech Therapist. For your convenience, Dr. DePasquale has the ability to perform an in depth evaluation of the oral, pharyngeal and esophageal stages of swallowing. If the results of your test warrant treatment, Dr. DePasquale and her speech pathologist will recommend the most appropriate solution based on your individual condition. They work together every step of the way to provide you with the most effective and efficient care possible. Conservative approaches include lifestyle and diet modification, swallowing therapy and/or medication. The more severe problems may require surgery or an alternate method of nutrition.
Common symptoms of a swallowing disorder (or dysphagia) include the sensation of food “sticking” in the throat, coughing while eating, regurgitation shortly following the meal and pain upon swallowing. Chronic disorders of swallowing can lead to malnutrition, unintentional weight loss, recurrent pneumonia or frequent choking. Swallowing problems may be the result of muscular weakness, delayed reflexes, reduced sensation, or structural abnormalities as a result of underlying disease or trauma.
Swallowing problems: Warning signs & causes.
Common symptoms of a swallowing disorder (or dysphagia) include:
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing liquids or food
- The sensation of food “sticking” in the throat
- Frequent choking or coughing during meals
- Regurgitation shortly following the meal
- Pain upon swallowing
The causes of swallowing problems vary and can include:
- Damage or malfunction of the throat or esophagus, such as muscle weakness, delayed reflexes, reduced sensation, or structural abnormalities
- Ulcers or scar tissue in the esophagus as the result of heartburn, which may make it difficult or painful to swallow
- Pouches that may form in the esophageal lining and interfere with the movement of food down the esophagus
- More serious conditions such as esophageal cancer and myasthenia gravis, which is a chronic neuromusculoskeletal disease
Go Back to top>>
Diagnosis
As a board-certified ENT specialist in St. Augustine, Florida, Dr. DePasquale has the advanced training and knowledge to accurately diagnose and effectively treat swallowing problems. Your care starts with a comprehensive evaluation that is conducted by Dr. DePasquale and her speech pathologist.
Our practice has unique capabilities for the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders. Modified Barium Swallow is the most common test ordered to determine the cause of these disorders. This test is often normal but the patient continues to experience swallowing difficulty. We are able to perform swallowing studies and esophagoscopies in the office in the presence of a speech pathologist which allows more accurate and prompt diagnosis.
Go Back to top>>
Treatment
If the results of your test warrant treatment, Dr. DePasquale and her speech pathologist will recommend the most appropriate solution based on your individual condition. They work together every step of the way to provide you with the most effective and efficient care possible. Conservative approaches include lifestyle and diet modification, swallowing therapy and medication. The more severe problems may require surgery.
Go Back to top>>
About Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, throat, and voice box. Symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux include a dry cough, frequent throat clearing, and the feeling that something is stuck in the throat. You may lose your voice or become hoarse. Nasal infection and post nasal drip may also be present.
Dr. DePasquale diagnoses Laryngopharyngeal Reflux by taking a detailed medical history and performing an examination of the nose and throat with a Flexible Fiberoptic Laryngoscope, a thin instrument that allows the doctor to view the voice box and throat.
Treatment for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux include:
- Dietary changes
- Medications
- Posture changes
- Surgery to prevent reflux
- Weight reduction
Visit our Education Library for more information about swallowing disorders. If you experience swallowing problems, call (904) 461-6060 for a prompt appointment at St. Augustine Ear, Nose & Throat in Florida.
Go Back to top>>
Swallowing Disorders
Swallowing problems • Diagnosis • Treatments • About Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
Get effective, coordinated care from our qualified otolaryngologist and certified speech pathologist.
Dysfunction of the swallowing mechanism can lead to potentially serious health consequences. It is important that you address your swallowing concerns and obtain a thorough evaluation by a knowledgeable ENT and Speech Therapist. For your convenience, Dr. DePasquale has the ability to perform an in depth evaluation of the oral, pharyngeal and esophageal stages of swallowing. If the results of your test warrant treatment, Dr. DePasquale and her speech pathologist will recommend the most appropriate solution based on your individual condition. They work together every step of the way to provide you with the most effective and efficient care possible. Conservative approaches include lifestyle and diet modification, swallowing therapy and/or medication. The more severe problems may require surgery or an alternate method of nutrition.
Common symptoms of a swallowing disorder (or dysphagia) include the sensation of food “sticking” in the throat, coughing while eating, regurgitation shortly following the meal and pain upon swallowing. Chronic disorders of swallowing can lead to malnutrition, unintentional weight loss, recurrent pneumonia or frequent choking. Swallowing problems may be the result of muscular weakness, delayed reflexes, reduced sensation, or structural abnormalities as a result of underlying disease or trauma.
Swallowing problems: Warning signs & causes.
Common symptoms of a swallowing disorder (or dysphagia) include:
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing liquids or food
- The sensation of food “sticking” in the throat
- Frequent choking or coughing during meals
- Regurgitation shortly following the meal
- Pain upon swallowing
The causes of swallowing problems vary and can include:
- Damage or malfunction of the throat or esophagus, such as muscle weakness, delayed reflexes, reduced sensation, or structural abnormalities
- Ulcers or scar tissue in the esophagus as the result of heartburn, which may make it difficult or painful to swallow
- Pouches that may form in the esophageal lining and interfere with the movement of food down the esophagus
- More serious conditions such as esophageal cancer and myasthenia gravis, which is a chronic neuromusculoskeletal disease
Go Back to top>>
Diagnosis
As a board-certified ENT specialist in St. Augustine, Florida, Dr. DePasquale has the advanced training and knowledge to accurately diagnose and effectively treat swallowing problems. Your care starts with a comprehensive evaluation that is conducted by Dr. DePasquale and her speech pathologist.
Our practice has unique capabilities for the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders. Modified Barium Swallow is the most common test ordered to determine the cause of these disorders. This test is often normal but the patient continues to experience swallowing difficulty. We are able to perform swallowing studies and esophagoscopies in the office in the presence of a speech pathologist which allows more accurate and prompt diagnosis.
Go Back to top>>
Treatment
If the results of your test warrant treatment, Dr. DePasquale and her speech pathologist will recommend the most appropriate solution based on your individual condition. They work together every step of the way to provide you with the most effective and efficient care possible. Conservative approaches include lifestyle and diet modification, swallowing therapy and medication. The more severe problems may require surgery.
Go Back to top>>
About Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, throat, and voice box. Symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux include a dry cough, frequent throat clearing, and the feeling that something is stuck in the throat. You may lose your voice or become hoarse. Nasal infection and post nasal drip may also be present.
Dr. DePasquale diagnoses Laryngopharyngeal Reflux by taking a detailed medical history and performing an examination of the nose and throat with a Flexible Fiberoptic Laryngoscope, a thin instrument that allows the doctor to view the voice box and throat.
Treatment for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux include:
- Dietary changes
- Medications
- Posture changes
- Surgery to prevent reflux
- Weight reduction
Visit our Education Library for more information about swallowing disorders. If you experience swallowing problems, call (904) 461-6060 for a prompt appointment at St. Augustine Ear, Nose & Throat in Florida.
Go Back to top>>