Special Groups
Head and neck cancer is a unique cause of dysphagia. Altered swallow function can be secondary to the mechanical effects of a tumor invading normal anatomy needed for deglutition, or…
Dysphagia in Stroke, Neurodegenerative Disease, and Advanced Dementia
Aspiration risk from dysphagia increases with central and peripheral neurologic disease. Stroke, microvascular ischemic disease, a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases, and advancing dementia all have unique aspects. However, there are…
Management of Cricopharyngeus Muscle Dysfunction
The cricopharyngeus muscle (CPM) is a key component of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). In dysphagia, cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (CPD) refers to the muscle’s failure to appropriately and completely relax…
Glottal Insufficiency with Aspiration Risk in Dysphagia
Glottal closure is an important part of the mechanism that protects the airway during the normal swallow. Glottal insufficiency disrupts glottal closure and therefore puts patients at risk of aspiration….
Nonsurgical Treatment
This article provides an overview of nonsurgical and nonpharmacologic treatments for oropharyngeal dysphagia. The speech-language pathologist (SLP) is the primary member of the swallowing management team who will provide this…
Zenker Diverticulum
This article introduces the pathogenesis and relevant anatomy of Zenker diverticulum. The clinical symptoms and relevant investigation are presented along with the various therapeutic interventions including open and endoscopic approaches….
Malnutrition, Dehydration, and Ancillary Feeding Options in Dysphagia Patients
Patients with dysphagia are at high risk for malnutrition. Several strategies may be used to address the nutritional needs of these patients. Dietary modification, the addition of oral supplements, or…
Esophageal Pathology
This article contains a brief atlas for esophageal dysphagia, with an emphasis on endoscopic evaluation. Dysphagia refers to an abnormality with food propulsion, and it may be caused by oropharyngeal…
Normal Esophageal Physiology and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
Understanding the basic anatomy and physiology contributing to esophageal peristalsis can help with comprehension of esophageal disease states. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), an extraesophageal variant of gastroesophageal reflux disease, is retrograde…
The Modified Barium Swallow and the Functional Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing
This article reviews the current standard of care for the instrumental evaluation of swallow function using the modified barium swallow (MBS) and the functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Both…
