Assessment & Services Offered

We provide a structured diagnostic pathway and individualised management for swallowing disorders:

• Detailed History & Clinical Swallowing Evaluation: Review of symptom pattern, onset, food types causing difficulty, coughing/choking and weight or nutritional concerns.

• Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES): Endoscopic assessment to visualise pharyngeal structure, secretion management and aspiration risk during swallowing.

• Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS): Radiographic evaluation of oral, pharyngeal and upper esophageal phases of swallowing when indicated.

• Endoscopy & Imaging: Upper GI endoscopy, CT or MRI to identify structural lesions, strictures or neurological causes as required.

• Speech & Swallow Therapy: Collaboration with speech-language pathologists for targeted exercises, postural adjustments and diet modification strategies.

• Medical & Surgical Management: Treating reflux, infection or inflammation; dilatation of strictures; and surgical correction for structural abnormalities when indicated.

When to Seek Evaluation

Seek prompt assessment if you experience:

• Coughing, choking or coughing while eating or drinking

• Food sticking in the throat or chest, or sensation of a lump

• Unintentional weight loss, recurrent chest infections or voice changes with swallowing

• Difficulty initiating a swallow or nasal regurgitation

Common causes include neural disorders (stroke, Parkinson’s disease), neuromuscular conditions, post-surgical changes, radiation effects, structural lesions, strictures, reflux-related dysfunction and ageing-related weakness. Accurate diagnosis directs safe and effective therapy.

Management & Long-term Care

Effective management often requires combined strategies:

• Individualised swallowing therapy with a speech-language pathologist to improve swallowing mechanics

• Diet modification and safe swallowing techniques to reduce aspiration risk

• Medical treatment of reflux, infections or inflammation contributing to dysphagia

• Endoscopic or surgical interventions for strictures, diverticula or structural causes when required

• Nutritional support and monitoring, including enteral feeding when oral intake is unsafe or inadequate

• Regular follow-up to reassess swallowing safety, adjust therapy and prevent complications such as aspiration pneumonia