Swallowing Disorders

Swallowing Disorder or dysphagia is any form of discomfort and difficulty in the normal swallowing process of food and liquid. Signs include coughing, choking when eating or drinking, or sometimes being unable to swallow at all.

This disorder can be present in children and adults.

  • Coughing and clearing throat while eating or drinking
  • Having a gurgle-like voice while eating or drinking
  • Feeling like something is stuck in throat or chest
  • Requiring more time to chew or swallow
  • Leaking food or liquid from the mouth
  • Leaving food or liquid in the oral cavity after the swallow
  • Suffering from poor oral management and drooling
  • Facing difficulty in breathing during and after meals
  • Inability to maintain lip closure
  • Pain while swallowing
  • Inability to swallow.
  • Having the impression that food is trapped in the throat or chest.
  • Drooling
  • Frequent heartburn
  • Food or stomach acid backing up into the throat.
  • Frequent lungs infections

A multidisciplinary strategy, including medical management, dietary changes, and swallowing therapy, is needed to manage this disorder. It is suggested that patients speak with their physicians, speech therapists, and dietitians to determine the root of their swallowing difficulty and create a unique treatment strategy. To maintain good health and wellness, it is also crucial to practice basic dental hygiene and avoid foods and beverages that can make the problem worse. 

Speech therapy tries to improve the functionality of the muscles utilized in the swallowing process. Individuals can acquire new techniques for swallowing to avoid inhalation through therapy, such as taking smaller bites, chewing their food entirely, tilting their heads forward when swallowing Additionally, therapy can assist people in recognizing and avoiding specific foods and liquids that may cause or worsen swallowing problems.

At TBC, our Lebanese therapists in Dubai offer specialized therapy sessions in Arabic, French, and English, focusing on the treatment of swallowing disorders, among other services such as occupational therapy, psychomotor, and speech therapy in the UAE. Our comprehensive approach aims to assist clients in managing and overcoming the complexities associated with swallowing difficulties, alongside addressing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.