Swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia, affect the ability to swallow food, liquids, or saliva safely and comfortably. Symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, coughing or choking during meals, food sticking in the throat, recurrent chest infections, or a persistent sensation of something being lodged in the throat.
While swallowing problems can sometimes be temporary, persistent or worsening symptoms require specialist assessment. Swallowing disorders may arise from muscle dysfunction, neurological conditions, reflux-related irritation, or structural abnormalities within the throat or oesophagus. Accurate diagnosis is essential to reduce risks such as aspiration, malnutrition, and reduced quality of life.
Ms Aphrodite Iacovidou provides specialist ENT assessment and expert management of swallowing disorders as part of her laryngology and airway practice, delivering tailored care based on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.
What Are Swallowing Disorders ?
Swallowing disorders involve difficulty during one or more stages of swallowing — from moving food or liquid from the mouth into the throat, through the oesophagus, and into the stomach. These difficulties may be intermittent or progressive and can affect both adults and children.
Symptoms vary depending on the cause and may include effortful swallowing, coughing after eating or drinking, throat discomfort, regurgitation, or unexplained weight loss. Some patients experience a persistent sensation of a lump in the throat despite no visible obstruction.
Conditions commonly managed include:
- Swallowing difficulty (dysphagia)
- Persistent throat sensation (globus)
- Pharyngeal dysphagia
- Cricopharyngeal dysfunction
- Swallowing problems related to reflux (LPR)
- Neurological or muscle-related swallowing disorders
- Swallowing difficulties following illness, surgery, or injury
Early assessment allows appropriate investigation and helps distinguish functional swallowing issues from structural or neurological causes.
Expert Swallowing Disorders Treatment
Assessment begins with a detailed clinical history and examination, focusing on swallowing symptoms, associated voice or breathing changes, and contributing medical conditions. Diagnostic evaluation may include flexible nasoendoscopy, alongside swallow assessments arranged in collaboration with specialist speech and language therapists.
Where indicated, additional investigations such as barium swallow studies may be organised to assess swallowing mechanics and oesophageal function.
Treatment plans are individualised and may include dietary modification, swallowing therapy, reflux management, or medical treatment. In selected cases, procedural or surgical intervention may be recommended to address structural or functional abnormalities contributing to symptoms.
Care is delivered with continuity from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up, ensuring patients understand their condition, management options, and recovery expectations.
Why Choose Ms Aphrodite Iacovidou for Swallowing Disorders Treatment
Ms Aphrodite Iacovidou FRCS (ORL-HNS) is a Consultant ENT Surgeon with specialist expertise in laryngology, airway, and swallowing disorders. She is a substantive Consultant at the National Centre for Airway Reconstruction, Imperial NHS Healthcare Trust, based at Charing Cross Hospital.
Her experience spans both adult and paediatric care, managing complex swallowing conditions within a multidisciplinary framework. Patients benefit from careful diagnostic evaluation, clear communication, and access to specialist investigations and treatments when required.
With clinics across West and Central London, Ms Iacovidou provides expert swallowing disorder care delivered to high clinical standards, with a focus on safety, function, and long-term outcomes.
FAQs
When should I seek specialist assessment for swallowing problems?
You should seek specialist assessment if swallowing difficulties persist for more than a few weeks, worsen over time, or are associated with coughing, choking, food sticking in the throat, weight loss, or recurrent chest infections. Swallowing problems can increase the risk of aspiration and nutritional issues, so early evaluation is important even if symptoms feel mild at first.
What causes swallowing disorders?
Swallowing disorders can arise from a range of causes, including muscle or nerve dysfunction, reflux-related irritation, structural abnormalities of the throat or oesophagus, or neurological conditions. Some patients develop swallowing difficulties after illness, surgery, or injury. Identifying the exact cause is essential, as treatment depends on whether the issue is functional, inflammatory, neurological, or structural.
How are swallowing disorders diagnosed?
Assessment begins with a detailed history and examination focusing on swallowing, voice, and breathing symptoms. Investigations may include flexible nasoendoscopy to assess throat anatomy and movement, along with specialist swallow assessments carried out in collaboration with speech and language therapists. In some cases, further imaging such as a barium swallow study is recommended to evaluate swallowing mechanics in more detail.
Can swallowing disorders be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many swallowing disorders are managed without surgery. Treatment may include swallowing therapy, dietary modification, reflux management, and medical treatment tailored to the underlying cause. The goal is to improve swallowing safety and comfort while minimising risk and avoiding unnecessary intervention whenever possible.
Who provides specialist swallowing disorders treatment in London?
Swallowing disorders are best managed by ENT surgeons with specialist expertise in laryngology and airway conditions. Ms Aphrodite Iacovidou offers expert assessment and personalised treatment for throat and swallowing disorders, with clinics across West and Central London and access to multidisciplinary specialist care.
