Dysphagia's Signs and Causes

General signs may include:

Coughing during or right after eating or drinking
Wet or gurgly sounding voice during or after eating or drinking
Extra effort or time needed to chew or swallow
Food or liquid leaking from the mouth or getting stuck in the mouth
Recurring pneumonia or chest congestion after eating
Weight loss or dehydration from not being able to eat enough

Complications:

Poor nutrition or dehydration with weight loss
Risk of aspiration which can lead to pneumonia and chronic lung disease
Less enjoyment or even fear of eating or drinking
Embarrassment or isolation in situations involving eating

The causes of swallowing disorders in:

Adults

Damage to the nervous system, such as:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Muscular Dystrophy
Cerebral Palsy
Alzheimer's Disease
Stroke
Brain Injury
Spinal cord injury
Parkinson's Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Dementia

Infants & Children

Cleft lip/palate
Developmental Disability
The RoseCup system is not currently suitable for use in babies

Problems affecting the head and neck, including:

Cancer in the mouth, throat or esophagus
Injury or surgery involving the head and neck
Decayed or missing teeth, or poorly fitting dentures

Early diagnosis

An estimated 75% of cases are un-diagnosed. Early diagnosis allows for rehabilitation before complications make rehabilitation increasingly difficult.

Speech Pathologists have a pivotal role in the assessment and management of Dysphagia.

It is recommended that any person who knows or suspect they have a swallowing disorder should contact a local Speech Pathologist that specialise in Dysphagia, to assist them to evaluate their swallowing and perform special tests necessary for assessments and screenings.

Find a Speech Pathologist here!

References:

The RoseCup has been developed in Australia and is a TGA registered, Class 1 Medical Device. It has been designed to assist with access to nutrition and hydration for anyone struggling with feeding and swallowing or who has been diagnosed with dysphagia.

Learn more about RoseCup

21/565 Hume Street Kearneys Spring Qld 4350
PO Box 8389, Toowoomba South, 4350
ABN: 22 076 687 084
+614 2840 6641

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The RoseCup is a registered as a Class 1 Medical Device with the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration TGA. (All medical devices marketed in Australia must meet the requirements which are set out in Chapter 4 of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, and in the Therapeutic Goods (Medical Devices) Regulations 2002.)

Disclaimer - The RoseCup product range is designed to help reduce the risk of aspiration in patients with dysphagia (swallowing disorders) when used according to the product guidelines and recommendations. The product range does not prevent aspiration. The website Questionnaire is designed as a guide only, to assist with product selection. It is not to be used to replace a medical diagnosis. Please see your GP if you are experiencing difficulty swallowing or eating. Product selection and use is undertaken at the consumer's discretion and risk.