Nielemiskäynnillä

Nielemiskäynnillä refers to the Finnish term for a "swallowing visit" or "swallowing examination." This is a medical procedure used to assess a person's ability to swallow safely and effectively. It is typically performed by a speech-language pathologist or a physician specializing in swallowing disorders.

The purpose of a nielemiskäynnillä is to identify any difficulties or impairments in the complex process of swallowing, known medically as dysphagia. Dysphagia can affect any stage of swallowing, from the initial preparation of food in the mouth to its passage down the throat and into the esophagus. Symptoms can include coughing or choking during or after eating, a sensation of food getting stuck, pain when swallowing, or unexplained weight loss.

During a nielemiskäynnillä, various methods may be employed to evaluate swallowing. This can involve observing the patient eat and drink different consistencies of food and liquids, and noting any signs of distress or aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway). More specialized assessments might include a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), also known as a modified barium swallow, or a fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). These instrumental examinations allow for a detailed visualization of the swallowing mechanism.

The findings from a nielemiskäynnillä are crucial for diagnosing the cause of dysphagia and developing an appropriate management plan. This plan might include dietary modifications, swallowing exercises, compensatory strategies, or in some cases, referral for further medical intervention. The goal is to ensure adequate nutrition and hydration while minimizing the risk of aspiration pneumonia and other complications associated with impaired swallowing.