Specialties
Speech Therapist Gdańsk — diagnosis and therapy of swallowing and voice disorders
Diagnosis and therapy of speech and communication disorders. Endoscopic swallowing examination.
At ProfessMed, the speech therapist focuses primarily on the assessment and rehabilitation of swallowing disorders (dysphagia) and voice disorders, including those following neurological diseases and treatment for head and neck cancers. We also perform endoscopic swallowing assessments.
Speech therapy deals with the diagnosis, therapy and prevention of speech, voice, communication and swallowing disorders. Swallowing disorders can occur after a stroke, in the course of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Parkinson’s disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), after surgery and radiotherapy in the head and neck area, and also with age.
Untreated dysphagia increases the risk of aspiration, pneumonia, dehydration and malnutrition. That is why a thorough assessment is important: the speech therapist determines which food and liquid consistencies are safe, teaches techniques that make swallowing easier and guides exercises to improve function.
An endoscopic swallowing assessment involves inserting a thin, flexible nasofiberscope through the nose, which allows the throat and larynx to be viewed while you swallow foods of different consistencies. The examination shows whether food or liquid is entering the airway and helps plan therapy.
What problems can you see a speech therapist about?
Swallowing disorders
- Choking while eating or drinking
- A feeling of food sticking in the throat
- Dysphagia after a stroke or in neurological diseases
- Swallowing difficulties after treatment for head and neck cancers
Voice disorders
- Vocal cord insufficiency
- Vocal fold paresis
- Voice rehabilitation after removal of the larynx
Post-surgical conditions
- After removal of the palatine tonsils (tonsillectomy)
- After partial removal of the tongue (glossectomy)
During the consultation, the speech therapist assesses the problem and decides on the next steps — an instrumental assessment or a therapy plan.
Endoscopic swallowing assessment
The examination is performed on an outpatient basis. The patient swallows small portions of foods and liquids of different consistencies while the speech therapist watches the swallowing process on the endoscope image. On this basis, a safe diet and exercises are recommended. Please bring foods of different consistencies to the examination: biscuits, a bread roll and yogurt — or, if you follow a restrictive diet (e.g. gluten-free or lactose-free), their equivalents.
- Swallowing disorder assessment — 600 zł
- Speech therapy consultation — 200 zł
How the speech therapy consultation works
- 1. History — the speech therapist asks about your symptoms, past illnesses and procedures, and what your mealtimes are like.
- 2. Functional assessment — examination of the structure and function of the mouth, throat and larynx and, if needed, a swallowing test.
- 3. Recommendations and therapy plan — selection of food consistencies, safe swallowing techniques, exercises and a decision on a possible endoscopic examination.
Frequently asked questions
- When is it worth scheduling a speech therapy consultation?
- When you experience choking or coughing while eating and drinking, a feeling of food sticking in the throat, a change in your voice after meals, recurrent pneumonia, or swallowing difficulties after a stroke, surgery or radiotherapy in the head and neck area. A consultation is also recommended for voice disorders, e.g. incomplete closure of the vocal cords.
- What does an endoscopic swallowing examination involve?
- A flexible nasofiberscope is inserted through the nasal passage into the throat. This shows the structures of the middle throat, the larynx and the lower throat, so the swallowing mechanism can be assessed and any problems identified. For the swallowing trials, please bring foods of different consistencies: biscuits, a bread roll and yogurt. Patients on a restrictive diet (e.g. gluten-free or lactose-free) are asked to bring equivalent products.
- Does the endoscopic swallowing examination hurt?
- The examination is usually well tolerated. Inserting the endoscope through the nose may be unpleasant, but it should not be painful, and it takes only a short time.
- How should I prepare for a speech therapy appointment?
- It is worth bringing records from your previous treatment — test results, hospital discharge summaries and information from your neurologist or ENT specialist. For the endoscopic swallowing assessment, please bring biscuits, a bread roll and yogurt (or their equivalents if you follow a restrictive diet).
- Do I need a referral to see a speech therapist at ProfessMed?
- No. ProfessMed is a private medical facility and does not require a referral for a speech therapy consultation. An appointment can be scheduled via ZnanyLekarz or by phone: +48 58 380 24 25.
- How much does a swallowing disorder assessment cost at ProfessMed?
- A swallowing disorder assessment costs 600 zł, and a speech therapy consultation costs 200 zł.
Specialists
- mgr Małgorzata Zielińska — Speech Therapist
Health Concerns
Book an appointment — Speech Therapy · Call us: +48 58 380 24 25