swallow assessment

Swallow assessment is a clinical process where a healthcare professional evaluates how safely and effectively someone can swallow food and liquids. It involves observing the person as they swallow different textures, checking for signs of difficulty like coughing or choking, and understanding their medical history. The goal is to identify any issues that could lead to choking, aspiration (food or liquid entering the lungs), or nutritional problems, so appropriate treatment or adjustments can be made to ensure safe and adequate nutrition.