Swallowing and Dysphagia Unit

The Swallowing and Dysphagia Unit at the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital is a highly specialised department focusing on the diagnostic assessment and rehabilitation of oropharyngeal dysphagia.

It addresses disorders of the swallowing process that compromise the safety or effectiveness of swallowing. It treats cases associated with neurological conditions, ageing, cervical or laryngeal surgery, cancer, or sequelae following prolonged hospitalisation.

Dysphagia not only makes eating difficult; it can lead to aspiration, recurrent lung infections, dehydration or malnutrition. Early identification is crucial for preventing complications and maintaining quality of life.

When to seek advice for difficulty swallowing

This assessment is intended for people who experience coughing or choking whilst eating or drinking, a sensation of food being stuck, unexplained weight loss, or recurrent respiratory infections associated with eating or drinking.

It also assesses patients with known neurological conditions or those who have undergone head and neck surgery and require a precise functional evaluation of their swallowing.

The initial aim is to identify the impaired mechanism and determine the level of risk associated with oral intake.

Instrumental assessment of swallowing

The assessment begins with a detailed clinical analysis of posture, coordination and breathing pattern during swallowing.

Where indicated, instrumental studies such as video endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) or video fluoroscopy (VFS) are carried out, which allow real-time visualisation of the passage of the food bolus and the detection of aspiration or pharyngeal residue.

These tests provide objective and reproducible information to classify the type of dysphagia and design a personalised treatment plan based on sound technical evidence.

Individualised functional rehabilitation

Treatment is based on structured rehabilitation programmes tailored to the specific impairment. It includes specific exercises for muscle strengthening and coordination, postural strategies and the adaptation of textures according to each patient’s functional profile.

In selected cases, neuromuscular electrostimulation may be incorporated as a complementary therapy.

The aim is to restore safe and effective swallowing, reduce the risk of bronchoaspiration and ensure adequate nutritional stability.

Scheduled clinical follow-up

Recovery requires regular reassessments to adjust the intensity of the rehabilitation programme and dietary guidelines.

In patients with progressive neurological conditions, follow-up enables functional changes to be anticipated, dietary strategies to be adapted and respiratory complications to be prevented.

Team specialising in oropharyngeal dysphagia

The unit comprises specialists with experience in advanced instrumental assessment and rehabilitation of oropharyngeal dysphagia.

During consultations, the underlying mechanism, associated risks and safety measures during feeding are clearly explained. Dietary guidelines and recommended exercises are set out in a structured manner, facilitating their correct implementation at home.

Decision-making is a shared process, particularly when considering a change in feeding route or the incorporation of instrumental techniques. Coordination with neurology, ENT, oncology, nutrition and rehabilitation enables us to offer a comprehensive approach to complex clinical situations.

Clinical support is maintained throughout the care process, ensuring functional stability, monitoring of progress and the prevention of respiratory and nutritional complications.

The unit combines precise diagnostic testing, individualised rehabilitation planning and structured follow-up to ensure the safe management of swallowing disorders.