The Penn Center for Voice, Speech and Swallowing provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options for individuals with swallowing disorders. Here, you will benefit from the care of respected otolaryngologists, speech language pathologists and dedicated support staff, as well as Penn Medicine gastroenterologists, pulmonary medicine physicians and other specialists. This multi-disciplinary team works with you to develop an individualized care plan using the latest non-surgical and surgical treatment approaches available.
Speech or swallowing therapy with our speech language pathologists is recommended for many people with swallowing disorders. This can help strengthen tongue muscles and improve coordination to reduce the risk of aspiration or choking. This treatment is offered onsite through the Penn Center for Voice, Speech and Swallowing.
Causes of Swallowing Disorders
The act of swallowing is remarkably complex. It takes place in three “phases” and involves about 30 muscles:
- Oral phase – the point at which food is chewed and moved toward the throat by the tongue
- Oropharyngeal phase – the point at which food or liquid reaches the larynx (just at the opening of the airway)
- Esophageal phase – the point at which muscle constrictions within the esophagus help to move food toward the stomach and prevent it from flowing back into the mouth
Most disorders occur in the first two phases of swallowing.
Swallowing disorders are often caused by either prior surgery (ie. for head and neck cancer) or a neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Other medical conditions that may cause swallowing disorders include:
Symptoms of Swallowing Disorders
Symptoms of swallowing disorders vary depending upon the severity and location of the problem. Common complaints include:
- Trouble with swallowing
- Coughing or choking
- Regurgitation
- Heartburn