What is a dysphagia referral?
Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing. A dysphagia referral is a request for a doctor or a speech-language therapist to assess the swallow and plan safe eating and drinking.
It is common after a stroke and in conditions that affect the nerves and muscles, such as Parkinson’s disease. It can also come with age.
Why does it matter?
When food or drink goes down the wrong way, it can reach the lungs and cause chest infections. Some people also eat less and lose weight because meals have become frightening.
A swallowing check is the way to keep eating safe. The doctor and speech therapist may change the type of food or drink, teach a safe posture and advise on how to feed.
An everyday example in Ipoh
Mr Lau is back home after a stroke, and his daughter notices him coughing when he drinks his kopi and his voice sounds wet afterwards. He has also stopped finishing his rice.
Swallowing belongs to the doctor and speech therapist, so we tell the family what we have seen and ask them to speak to his doctor about a swallowing assessment. In the meantime we make sure he is sitting upright for meals and teach his helper the safe way to support him.
Related terms and next steps
Our guide on stroke speech and swallowing referral explains who to ask. Read about stroke and the stroke family guide.
If the person has just come home, going home after a stroke ward lists what to ask the ward team. Neurological rehabilitation shows how we plan care.