dysphagia matters

Tracheostomy care is a highly specialised clinical area, but when it comes to infants and children, the complexities multiply. Pediatric care requires a completely unique approach that accounts for anatomical differences, developmental milestones, and family dynamics.

In this episode, Louise Edwards, Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and PhD candidate, joins us to explore the realities of pediatric tracheostomy care from an SLT perspective. Together, we examine the core clinical priorities, unpack the key differences between pediatric and adult management, and discuss the often-overlooked challenges of transitioning young people with complex needs from pediatric to adult services.

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When we think of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), we usually think of snoring, disrupted sleep, and daytime fatigue. But there is a critical link between OSA and dysphagia. In this episode, we sit down with Prof. Ankita Bhutada from Northwestern University to explore how upper airway collapse and chronic respiratory disruption can profoundly impact swallowing function.

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What do you do when patients report severe swallowing difficulties, but all structural and neurological exams come back normal? In this episode, we talk to Prof. Anna Miles about her paper “Functional dysphagia: Developing a framework for assessment and treatment”. We explore why terms like “psychogenic dysphagia” or “phagophobia” are outdated, look into the neurobiological underpinnings of the condition, and discuss practical, biopsychosocial strategies for speech and language therapists.

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What if a microphone and a few sensors placed on the neck could detect dysphagia; without access to FEES  or videofluoroscopy, maybe even without a dysphagia specialist in the room?

In this episode, we sit down with Prof. Ervin Sejdic, a biomedical engineer at the university of Toronto, whose research is changing the way we think about dysphagia assessment. Ervin leads work on High-Resolution Cervical Auscultation (HRCA) – a method that captures the sounds and vibrations of swallowing using sensors on the throat, then analyses that data with signal processing algorithms and artificial intelligence to identify aspiration risk and characterise swallowing function.

We talk about how to develop biomarkers for dysphagia, and how they could one day fill the gap of reliable swallowing assessment where FEES or videofluoroscopy may not be accessible; in hospitals, nursing homes, and community settings alike.

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Dysphagia is an under-recognised but clinically important complication following cardiac surgery. In this episode, Prof. Cara Donohue discusses why dysphagia can occur despite surgery being anatomically distant from the swallowing mechanism. We explore the complexities of dysphagia in patients post cardiac surgery, highlighting risk factors, prevalence, assessment methods, and potential interventions. Cara shares her research findings and clinical perspectives, emphasising the importance of early detection and proactive management to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes.

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Preparing safe, enjoyable meals for people with dysphagia can be challenging but it does not have to mean sacrificing enjoyment of food, variety, and social connection. How can clinicians and caregivers help ensure meals remain safe and enjoyable?

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Simone Howells from Griffith University, Australia, about the second edition of Beyond the Blender: Dysphagia Made Easier; a freely available cookbook featuring 30 recipes organised according to IDDSI Levels 2–6.

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Meta-analyses are powerful tools, but they can be challenging to interpret. In this episode, we explore how dysphagia clinicians can better understand and critically evaluate meta-analyses to support evidence-informed practice. We are joined by Prof. Kendrea Garand to talk about the article “How to Interpret and Evaluate a Meta-Analysis in the Field of Speech and Language Therapy: A Tutorial for Clinicians.”

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In this episode, we talk to Dr. Raele Loy, a Speech and Language Therapist and research scientist at the Center for Health Disparities Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. We discuss a critical but often overlooked aspect of dysphagia care: health equity, or the lack thereof. Raele discusses what sparked her interest in health equity, and explains what ‘health disparities’ mean in clinical practice and research today. She discusses what is currently known about disparities in dysphagia assessment and management, and presents her conceptual framework which illustrates how disparities emerge and persist throughout the entire eating and swallowing care pathway in people with dementia.

Behind the tremor in Parkinson’s disease lies a complex neurodegenerative process that affects far more than movement. In this conversation, we are joined by Prof. emer. Werner Poewe, neurologist and one of the world’s leading experts in Parkinson’s disease. He unpacks the evolving understanding of Parkinson’s disease, from James Parkinson’s first observations to today’s insights into pathology, prodromal symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. With a special focus on swallowing and dysphagia, we explore what clinicians need to know to support individuals with Parkinson’s disease across all stages of the disease.

Button batteries may be small, but their impact can be devastating. In this episode, we speak with Prof. Kris Jatana about the serious and often hidden dangers of button battery ingestion in children. Found in everyday household items, these small batteries can cause severe injuries to the esophagus and surrounding structures within hours of ingestion.

Kris explains what button batteries are, how they cause injury when swallowed, and why quick recognition and management are critical. We discuss the challenges in diagnosing unwitnessed ingestions, the steps parents and caregivers should take in an emergency, and current strategies for acute and long-term management.

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