5 Signs Swallowing Difficulties Shouldn’t Be Ignored

June is Dysphagia Awareness Month at Marigold Speech & Co.

Swallowing is something most people do without thinking—until it starts to feel different. Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, can significantly impact health, safety, and quality of life.

At Marigold Speech & Co., we are recognizing Dysphagia Awareness Month this June by helping adults, families, and care providers identify early signs of swallowing disorders and understand when to seek evaluation.

Access matters. When swallowing becomes unsafe, timely evaluation is critical.

What Is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that affects the ability to safely move food, liquids, and medications from the mouth to the stomach. It may occur in the oral, pharyngeal, or esophageal phase of swallowing.

Without treatment, dysphagia can increase the risk of:

• Aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway)

• Pneumonia

• Malnutrition and dehydration

• Weight loss

• Reduced quality of life and mealtime anxiety

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a key role in identifying and treating swallowing disorders.

5 Signs Swallowing Difficulties Shouldn’t Be Ignored

1. Coughing or choking during meals or drinks

Frequent coughing, throat clearing, or choking while eating or drinking may indicate difficulty safely coordinating the swallow.

2. Wet or gurgly voice after swallowing

A “wet” vocal quality after meals can suggest airway compromise or residue in the throat.

3. Recurrent respiratory infections

Frequent pneumonia or chest infections may be a sign of silent aspiration, where food or liquid enters the airway without a noticeable cough.

4. Unintentional weight loss or dehydration

Difficulty swallowing can lead to reduced intake, food avoidance, or fear of eating.

5. Avoiding certain foods or prolonged, stressful mealtimes

Changes in eating habits, slow meals, or anxiety around food may signal an underlying swallowing disorder.

Why Early Evaluation Matters

A bedside swallow evaluation is often the first step in identifying dysphagia, but instrumental assessment may be needed to fully understand swallowing physiology and safety.

Early evaluation and treatment can:

• Improve swallowing safety

• Reduce risk of aspiration and pneumonia

• Support better nutrition and hydration

• Restore confidence during meals

Outpatient FEES at Marigold Speech & Co.

To support timely and accurate diagnosis, Marigold Speech & Co. offers outpatient FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing).

FEES allows clinicians to directly visualize swallowing function and assess:

• Airway protection

• Aspiration (including silent aspiration)

• Pharyngeal residue

• Swallowing effectiveness across textures and strategies

This instrumental assessment helps guide precise, individualized treatment planning and improves clinical decision-making when swallowing safety is in question.

Immediate Openings for Dysphagia Evaluation

If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of dysphagia, early evaluation is essential.

Marigold Speech & Co. is currently offering:

• Adult dysphagia evaluations

• Outpatient FEES

• Individualized swallowing therapy

• Collaboration with physicians and care teams

• Evidence-based, functional treatment plans

Dysphagia Is Common—But Not Normal

Swallowing changes should never be dismissed as “just aging.” With appropriate assessment and intervention, many individuals can improve safety, comfort, and quality of life.

During Dysphagia Awareness Month, we encourage early action and access to care.

Marigold Speech & Co.

Speech therapy for all ages | Janesville, Wisconsin

📍 Immediate openings available for adult dysphagia evaluation and outpatient FEES services - 📞 608-728-7774