Feeding and Swallowing Issues

UTHSC provides services for children and adults with feeding and swallowing problems (i.e. dysphagia). Inability to accept food or liquids in the mouth, to chew appropriately, and swallow safely are potentially life-threatening if not identified, assessed, and treated.

Children or adults may have difficulty swallowing certain liquids or food textures safely, leading to choking or aspiration pneumonia and, perhaps, malnutrition and/or dehydration.

UTHSC has skilled and experienced speech-language pathologists, with state-of-the art equipment for Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) for adults to observe the mechanics of swallowing and to treat based on thorough assessment and planning to implement therapy reflective of best practices.