Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center - (Page 56)

Transforming HealtHcare Hard to Swallow? A new tool is available for those who have trouble swallowing F or many, eating an apple is as simple as chewing and swallowing. But for some, the latter act can be difficult, painful or even life-threatening. The problem can occur at any stage of the normal swallowing process, as food or liquid move from the mouth down the back of the throat, through the esophagus and into the stomach. Difficulties can range from a total inability to swallow to coughing or choking because the food or liquid is entering the windpipe. That’s where a certified speech-language pathologist comes in. A speech-language pathologist has extensive training in diagnosing and treating swallowing disorders as well as speech, language and voice conditions. If an individual is having trouble swallowing, speech-language pathologists may turn to a revolutionary treatment called fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) to evaluate swallowing function. This test uses a fiberoptic endoscope, which is a long tube about the diameter of a strand of spaghetti. It has a tiny camera at the end that is used to assess the anatomy and function of the soft palate, throat and vocal cords. During the exam, with the endoscope placed in the top of the throat, the patient is given small amounts of liquid and food, all mixed with food coloring so they can be seen more clearly on the camera. The camera can visualize the throat just before and after swallowing, so the speech-language pathologist can see if food and liquid are going into the esophagus normally or if some is going into the airway toward the lungs (called aspiration). “FEES gives so much insight into how the patient’s throat moves, works and feels,” says Eva Lukkonen Sullivan, M.M., M.A., CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist at Gwinnett Medical Center. “Based on the results, we can help the patient’s doctor determine the best way for them to get the nutrition they need.” For most people, the procedure is painless and can be completed in as little as 15 minutes, but the potential benefits are immeasurable. Call Using FEES, speech-language pathologists can assess the anatomy and function of the soft palate, throat and vocal cords. For more information about voice and swallowing services at GMC, contact Eva Lukkonen Sullivan at 678-312-2564 or esullivan@gwinnettmedicalcenter.org. Get Help Today 56 Vim & Vigor • W i n tEr 2 012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center
Contents
Phil’s Feature
All in the Family
Good Sport
Because I Said So!
What’s Wrong with This Picture?
The Future Is Now
Everyday Hero
What Does 200 Calories Look Like?
JOHNNY BE GOOD
In the Driver’s Seat
We’ve Got Your Back
Bank on Your Health
Virtual Health
PrimeTime Health
Back on His Feet
Meet the Raineys
Out of the White
Transforming Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center