Dysphagia Assessment, Management & Treatment
What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can occur for many reasons. It may be caused by weakness or poor coordination of the muscles involved in swallowing, nerve damage, reflux, aging, or medical conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or head and neck cancer. Symptoms can include coughing or choking while eating or drinking, food feeling stuck, pain with swallowing, or recurrent chest infections. Proper assessment and treatment can help improve swallowing safety and comfort.
How SLP Endoscopix can help me or my patient?
SLP Endoscopix and North ENT Otolaryngology are now offering expedited Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). This is a safe, effective, and objective instrumental assessment of swallowing, completed in-office by a trained Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), in conjunction with a Otolaryngologist (ENT), as required.
The FEES examination allows us to evaluate swallowing function and determine appropriate medical management, including maneuvers, strategies, exercises, and/or modifications to food and liquid consistencies. We also facilitate referrals to relevant medical professionals to ensure appropriate diagnoses are identified and addressed.
Who is appropriate for FEES?
Patients with:
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Coughing or changes in vocal quality associated with eating or drinking
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Pharyngeal dysphagia requiring instrumental evaluation to guide management and treatment
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Unexplained recurrent respiratory infections
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A previously completed videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) who require endoscopy to monitor progress or re-evaluate swallow function
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Increasing difficulty swallowing over the course of a meal
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Difficulty swallowing saliva or oral secretions, or nasal regurgitation
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Severe dysphagia requiring a conservative evaluation of swallowing
A physician referral form is required and available under
This referral allows the patient to be seen by both the SLP and the ENT (as required).
Contact North ENT Otolaryngology today for an expedited appointment! Send the FEES Referral Form to info@northentclinic.com or fax to 905-695-2508.
The FEES exam is privately paid by the patient. Paid invoices are provided and patients with extended health benefits may submit for reimbursement through their extended health benefits coverage.
