Swallowing Difficulties in Adults: When to Seek Help (and Why Early Intervention Matters)

Do you cough or choke when you eat or drink? Does food feel like it gets "stuck" in your throat? You are not alone — and you do not have to live this way. Swallowing problems are more common than most people think, and **getting help early can make a big difference.**

At **Marigold Speech & Co.**, we help adults with swallowing difficulties right here in our office — no hospital stay needed. Keep reading to learn what swallowing problems look like, when to call us, and how we can help.

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💥What Is a Swallowing Disorder?

A swallowing disorder is also called **dysphagia** (dis-FAY-jee-uh). It means that swallowing food, drinks, or even saliva is hard or painful. This can happen to anyone, but it is more common as we get older or after a health event like a stroke.

Swallowing may seem simple, but it is actually a very complex process. More than 30 muscles work together every time you take a bite or a sip. When even one part of that process is not working right, it can cause real problems.

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💥Signs You May Have a Swallowing Problem

Many people ignore these signs or think they are just part of getting older. They are not — and they are worth checking out.

**Watch for these warning signs:**

- Coughing or choking during or after meals

- Food or liquid coming back up into your mouth or nose

- Feeling like food is stuck in your chest or throat

- A wet or gurgling voice after eating or drinking

- Drooling or trouble controlling food in your mouth

- Pain when swallowing

- Avoiding certain foods because they are hard to swallow

- Losing weight without trying

- Getting more colds, chest infections, or pneumonia

If you or someone you love has one or more of these signs, **it is time to call a speech-language pathologist (SLP).**

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💥Why You Should Not Wait

Here is the most important thing to know: **swallowing problems do not usually go away on their own.** In fact, they often get worse over time if they are not treated.

Waiting can lead to serious health risks, including:

- **Aspiration pneumonia** — This happens when food or liquid goes into the lungs instead of the stomach. It can be life-threatening.

- **Malnutrition and dehydration** — When eating is hard or scary, people eat and drink less. This can make you weak and sick.

- **Weight loss** — Losing too much weight makes it harder for your body to heal and fight illness.

- **Lower quality of life** — Food is more than fuel. Eating with family and friends is a big part of life. Swallowing problems can make mealtimes stressful or lonely.

The good news? **Early treatment works.** The sooner you get help, the faster you can feel better and eat safely again.

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💥Who Is at Risk for Swallowing Difficulties?

Swallowing problems can happen to adults at any age, but some people are more likely to have them. You may be at higher risk if you have:

- Had a **stroke or brain injury**

- **Parkinson's disease**, multiple sclerosis, or ALS

- **Head or neck cancer** (or treatment like radiation or surgery)

- **GERD** (acid reflux) or other throat or esophagus problems

- Had **surgery on your throat, neck, or spine**

- A history of **pneumonia that keeps coming back**

- **Aging-related changes** to your muscles and nerves

Even if you do not have one of these conditions, swallowing problems can still happen. If something feels off, trust your gut and make that call.

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💥How We Check Your Swallowing: FEES Testing Right Here in Our Office

At **Marigold Speech & Co.**, we offer an in-office swallowing test called **FEES** — which stands for **Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing**.

Here is what that means in plain language:

A tiny, flexible camera is gently passed through your nose. It lets us watch what happens when you swallow different foods and drinks — **in real time.** It sounds scarier than it is. The procedure is quick, safe, and done right here in our office.

**Why is FEES so helpful?**

- We can see exactly where the problem is happening

- We do not need to send you to a hospital or imaging center

- Results are available right away

- It helps us create a treatment plan that is made just for you

Many people feel relieved after their FEES study because they finally have **answers** — and a clear path to feeling better.

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💥What Happens After the Test?

Once we know what is causing your swallowing difficulty, your speech-language pathologist will make a plan just for you. Treatment may include:

- **Swallowing exercises** to strengthen the muscles used in swallowing

- **Strategies and positions** that make swallowing safer and easier

- **Diet changes** (like adjusting food textures or liquid thickness) while you heal

- **Education** for you and your family so mealtimes feel safer

Most people see improvement with the right care and support. You do not have to figure this out alone.

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💥We Have Appointments Available — Call Us Today

You should not have to wait weeks to get answers about something this important. **Marigold Speech & Co. has immediate openings for swallowing evaluations.** Whether you are in the early stages of noticing a problem or have been struggling for a while, we are ready to help.

**📍 Serving our local community with expert, caring swallowing care**

**📞 Call or contact us today to schedule your appointment** 608-728-7774

Early help leads to better outcomes. Do not wait — **reach out to Marigold Speech & Co. now.**

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Is a swallowing evaluation covered by insurance?**

Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover swallowing evaluations and treatment. Call our office and we will help you figure out your coverage.

**Do I need a doctor's referral?**

Contact us directly. We can help guide you through the process.

**How long does a FEES study take?**

The study itself usually takes less than 20 minutes. We will walk you through every step so you feel comfortable.

**Is FEES painful?**

Most people feel mild pressure but no real pain. A topical numbing spray is used to keep you comfortable.

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## References

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). *Dysphagia*. https://www.asha.org/public/speech/swallowing/dysphagia/

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). *Swallowing disorders in adults*. https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/adult-dysphagia/

Bhattacharyya, N. (2014). The prevalence of dysphagia among adults in the United States. *Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 151*(5), 765–769. https://doi.org/10.1177/0194599814549156

Langmore, S. E., Schatz, K., & Olsen, N. (1988). Fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing safety: A new procedure. *Dysphagia, 2*(4), 216–219. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02414429

Martino, R., Foley, N., Bhogal, S., Diamant, N., Speechley, M., & Teasell, R. (2005). Dysphagia after stroke: Incidence, diagnosis, and pulmonary complications. *Stroke, 36*(12), 2756–2763. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.STR.0000190056.76543.eb

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2017, March). *Dysphagia*. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/dysphagia

Robbins, J., Langmore, S., Hind, J. A., & Erlichman, M. (2002). Dysphagia research in the 21st century and beyond. *Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 39*(4), 543–548.

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*Marigold Speech & Co. is a speech-language pathology practice specializing in swallowing disorders, communication, and voice. We proudly serve our local community and surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation.*