Swallowing difficulties at Spire Harpenden Hospital

Dysphagia is defined as difficulty in swallowing. It is usually associated with either difficulties caused by problems with the mouth or throat (oropharyngeal dysphagia) or problems with the gullet (oesophageal dysphagia).

Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They'll be with you every step of the way.

All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.

Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.

You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.

We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.

We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.

For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.

Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.

Treatment depends on the underlying problem causing the dysphagia. These treatments can include:

• Medication
• Surgery
• Speech and language therapy
• Management of the consistency of food
• Alternative forms of feeding

Our specialists have considerable expertise in the assessment and diagnosis of dysphagia and the underlying condition, together with the ability to treat a wide variety of causes of swallowing difficulties

Even after you’ve left hospital, we’re still looking after you every step of the way. After treatment for swallowing difficulties, a follow up appointment may be required and ongoing monitoring / treatment may be recommended. Your GP can also be informed of the best course of action to continue your treatment plan.​

If you have any questions or concerns, we're here to help.

We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.

Important to note

The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.