Every May, healthcare providers across the country recognize Better Speech and Hearing Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about communication and swallowing disorders that affect millions of Americans. At Washington County Regional Medical Center, our speech-language pathology team works year-round to help patients in Sandersville and the surrounding communities overcome these challenges, but this month offers an important opportunity to share what you should watch for in yourself or a loved one.
Understanding Swallowing Difficulty: What Is Dysphagia?
Swallowing is something most people do without a second thought. We do it hundreds of times a day when eating, drinking, and even managing our own saliva. But for individuals living with dysphagia, or swallowing difficulty, this basic function becomes uncomfortable, frustrating, and even dangerous.
Dysphagia can develop at any age, though it is more common among older adults and individuals recovering from stroke, surgery, or neurological conditions. Left unaddressed, swallowing problems can lead to serious health complications including malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia, a type of lung infection caused by food or liquid entering the airway.
Signs and Symptoms of Dysphagia
Recognizing swallowing difficulty early is one of the most important steps toward getting the right care. If you or someone you know experiences any of the following during or after meals, it may be time to talk to a healthcare provider:
- Coughing or choking during or after eating and drinking
- A wet, gurgly, or hoarse voice after swallowing
- A sensation of food feeling stuck in the throat or chest
- Needing extra time or effort to chew or swallow
- Frequent throat clearing during meals
- Food or liquid leaking from the mouth
- Difficulty controlling food in the mouth
- Pain when swallowing
- Avoiding certain foods or textures that were previously enjoyed
- Unexplained weight loss or signs of dehydration
- Recurrent pneumonia or persistent chest congestion
- Fatigue or shortness of breath while eating
- Pocketing food in the cheeks after chewing
- Needing multiple swallows for a single bite or sip
If you notice these signs in yourself or a family member, consider asking your physician for a referral to a speech-language pathologist. Early evaluation can make eating safer and more comfortable, and a trained therapist can recommend strategies, exercises, and dietary modifications tailored to your specific needs.
When Memory and Communication Changes Go Beyond Normal Aging
Better Speech and Hearing Month is also an important time to talk about cognitive-communication changes, the kind that go beyond the occasional forgotten word or misplaced set of keys.
As we age, some mild changes in memory and word-finding are perfectly normal. However, certain patterns may signal something more significant that deserves professional attention.
Signs of Possible Cognitive Decline
Pay attention if you or a loved one begins to experience any of the following on a regular basis:
- Repeating the same questions or stories in a short period of time
- Increased difficulty finding the right words during conversation
- Becoming confused in familiar places or during routine activities
- Trouble following along with conversations, especially in groups
- Struggling with daily tasks that were once manageable, such as keeping up with medications, paying bills, or following familiar routines
These changes do not automatically mean a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, but they do warrant evaluation. The sooner changes are identified, the sooner strategies can be put in place to maintain safety, independence, and quality of life.
How a Speech-Language Pathologist Can Help
Many people are surprised to learn that speech-language pathologists do far more than help with speech sounds. These specialists are trained to assess and treat a wide range of conditions related to memory, thinking, problem-solving, and communication. During an evaluation, a speech-language pathologist can identify areas of cognitive strength and difficulty, then develop a personalized plan that may include memory strategies, communication techniques, and recommendations for daily routines that support independence.
Schedule an Evaluation at Washington County Regional Medical Center
Washington County Regional Medical Center offers speech therapy services as part of our comprehensive rehabilitation program. Whether you have concerns about swallowing safety, changes in memory and communication, or any other speech and language needs, our team is here to help.
If you or a loved one could benefit from a speech-language evaluation, talk to your primary care provider about a referral, or contact WCRMC directly at (478) 240-2176. Early support makes a meaningful difference, and our care team is ready to guide you every step of the way.
Washington County Regional Medical Center is located at 610 Sparta Road, Sandersville, Georgia 31082. To learn more about our rehabilitation services and the full scope of care available close to home, visit wcrmc.com/outpatient/rehabilitation-services/