The CRME provides ultra-specialized services for clients with very complex and rare needs thanks to our highly-skilled and knowledgeable experts and our latest testing equipment. Our ultra-specialized services are provided to clients upon referral from other rehabilitation centres.
Definition
Dysphagia is known as a swallowing disorder. Swallowing is the process by which one or many substances such as liquids, solid foods and medication are ingested by passing through the pharynx, down the esophagus and into the stomach. Swallowing also serves to manage bodily fluids such as saliva, and nasal and tracheal secretions.
(This universal definition was adopted by the Groupe-Inter-Ordres sur la Dysphagia in 2005) (Ordre Professionnel des Diététistes du Québec, 2007)
The common signs and symptoms of dysphagia include: loss of appetite; tendency to avoid certain foods; fear of eating; refusal to eat; eating slowly; difficulties keeping foods, liquids and saliva in the mouth; difficulty swallowing; coughing or choking; a feeling as though there is a lump in the throat; food residue in the mouth after eating; modified sound of voice after eating; a significant amount of secretions in the mouth or throat; the need to frequently clear the throat; regurgitations; sudden fever of unknown etiology; weight loss; or height-weight delays in growth.