As we age, we understand about our risks. We take fall prevention classes, sign up with a gym, eat right, and keep active. Doing all the best things offers us comfort.

Sadly, we take swallowing for given. states Geoff Fraser, Partner at Clear Choice Health Care in Melbourne FL.

Swallowing disorders (dysphagia) affect up to 15 million people, and can lead to serious issues such as dehydration, poor nutrition, a greater rate of infection and aspiration pneumonia.
Amongst people hospitalized with pneumonia, about 10% are because of goal, and it remains one of the most common complications following general anesthesia happening with one in every 2000 to 30000 cases. And if you are affected by a neurological disorder, you’re at high danger for aspiration.
Goal pneumonia is brought on by any material passing beyond the vocal cords, which lie within the voice box (larynx), the uppermost part of the windpipe (trachea).

Fortunately, there are three treatments (FEES, Synchrony, and Vital Stim) that are video game changers for those with swallowing disorders, says Fraser.

CHARGES – Fiberoptic Endoscopic examination of swallowing allows a speech language pathologist to pass a thin endoscope – a tube consisting of a small electronic camera – through the nose to enable direct visualization of the swallow. FEES also permit evaluation of experience of key structures associated with swallowing.
Food or liquids are blended with food coloring in order to view safe swallowing function and stability throughout the test. FEES can determine the safest and least limiting food and liquid consumption. Therapists can then consist of appropriate compensatory strategies and develop a dysphagia rehabilitation program.

The newest interactive swallowing therapy utilizes technology and evidence-based programs and combines with medical procedures to make sure better client results.
Patients can see in real-time their actual swallowing effort. Because of the virtual reality-augmented exercises that utilize visual and acoustic methods, patients can facilitate a habits change to improve their swallow.

An element of this therapy utilizes a sophisticated neuromuscular stimulation part, to address muscle disuse atrophy to accomplish a normal swallow function.
Another service for dysphagic clients comes through a hand-held electronic gadget that assists clients enhance their swallow-muscle strength. VitalStim treatment includes using specifically developed electrodes that are placed onto throat muscles which get a contraction boost to encourage typical muscle control for a reliable swallow.

Ending up being dehydrated and malnourished is typically the predicament with swallowing dysfunctions. In addition to increased re-hospitalization and mortality.
Using specific technology, speech-language pathologists can better offset swallowing risks.

“Engaging clients beyond an injury and throughout their healing is vital to our top priorities. Our senior citizens matter, and we are here for them,” says Geoff Fraser, of Clear Choice Health Care.