Swallowing

  • Chronic coughing

    Chronic coughing when eating is most often linked to incomplete closure of the vocal cords or to decreased sensation inside the throat. Symptoms are often most frequent with liquids.

    Age and common medical conditions such as diabetes and stroke can contribute to the problem.

    A complete evaluation of the vocal cords and an endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing allows to pin point the issue and provide a rehabilitation and treatment plan.

  • Regurgitation

    Frequent regurgitation is an unusual but significant symptom and is more common with increasing age.

    It is often linked to the creation of a small pocket called diverticulum in the upper part of the swallowing tract. The medical term used is a Zenker diverticulum.

    This condition is benign and not linked to cancer. It is diagnosed with endoscopy and specialized radiology tests. It can be easily treated with surgery.

  • Difficulty swallowing

    Difficulty swallowing can be caused by issues in the mouth, the pharynx or the larynx. It is most frequent with solids foods like meat and small particulate foods such as rice.

    These issues can most often linked to neurological conditions like a stroke, or cancer such as oral, pharyngeal or laryngeal cancer.

    A careful ear, nose and throat examination with an endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing allows to pin point the issues and provide a rehabilitation and treatment plan.

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