What is Dysphagia?

There are 3 stages to swallowing: Oral, Pharyngeal, and Esophageal. When an individual has difficulty swallowing during any of these stages, they may have a swallowing disorder, otherwise known as dysphagia. 

1. Oral Phase- feeding, chewing, drinking; you prepare to move the food/liquid into your throat.

2. Pharyngeal Stage- you begin to swallow! The airway closes and the food enters your throat. 

3. Esophageal- the food/liquid moves down your throat and into your stomach.

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What can we do if swallowing problems occur?

Diet Modifications

• You can change the thickness, texture, portion, temperature or taste

  • Using thickener for liquids

  • Coating in a "sauce" (e.g. gravy, applesauce) 

  • Eating smaller ​portions

• Check out this visual handout for thickened liquids: 

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Feeding Strategies

• Pacing- controlling how much is eaten at a time

  • Alternate bites of food and sips of liquid​

  • Swallowing 2-3 times per bite or sip

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All information retrieved from ASHA's Pediatric Dysphagia page at: https://www.asha.org/PRPSpecificTopic.aspx?folderid=8589934965&section=Overview