Swallowing Disorders: Quick, Easy Diagnosis and Treatment at Fort HealthCare
by Anita Martin
Although it takes only three seconds,
it’s a complex process,
involving 50 pairs of muscles and
many different nerves. The act of swallowing
is something most of us take for granted—
but not if you’re one of the 15 million
Americans with swallowing problems,
known as dysphagia.
Dysphagia is a little-known condition, but studies suggest that up to 50 percent of people will experience it after their 60th birthday. Dysphagia can stem from many conditions—everything from reflux to cancer—and may significantly affect health and well-being. People with dysphagia are at increased risk of pneumonia, dehydration, malnutrition and social isolation due to embarrassing coughing or gagging while eating.
The good news is that swallowing disorders can be diagnosed and treated more quickly and effectively than ever before. “Many people accept their swallowing dysfunction as something they have to live with,” said F. Bradford Meyers, MD, FAAFP, of Rockwood Family Health, in Jefferson. “But many of the causes are treatable—and should be treated.”
Dean Miller’s Story
Dean R. Miller thought he was having a reaction to a new heart medication when he started having swallowing trouble last year. A retired dairy farmer in Helenville, Miller, 66, began to have a dry cough that came on at no specific time. “And when I swallowed my heart pills, they seemed to hang right in that area,” he said. Miller, who had a relative with throat cancer, decided to find out what was wrong.After talking with Dr. Meyers, Miller was referred to Michael Anderson, MD, an otolaryngology (ENT) specialist. Dr. Anderson found that Miller’s larynx was irritated and put him on medication. He also determined that Miller had stretched or ruptured a muscle.
Miller offers this advice to others experiencing swallowing problems: “If you notice something, don’t wait to have it checked until it gets too bad. It’s better to get it early than late.”
MBS Leads to Quick, Easy Diagnosis
Kathleen Pazak, MS, CCC, SLP, a speech language pathologist with Fort HealthCare, specializes in dysphagia. Last year, Miller was among the 150 outpatients who received modified barium swallow (MBS) studies with Pazak.The MBS is an X-ray of the head and throat. During this noninvasive procedure, the patient eats food with a small amount of barium added. An X-ray records the swallowing movements and helps pinpoint problems.
After the test, Pazak helps patients change how and what they eat and drink. “It might be as simple as sitting upright while eating, cutting the food in smaller pieces, eating more slowly or drinking liquid with meals,” she said.
Other tests can rule out more serious causes of swallowing problems. “While esophageal cancers are rare, it’s important that they’re diagnosed,” emphasized Dr. Meyers. When caught early, esophageal tumors can be curable.
