(Could you or your loved one have a swallowing problem?)
Swallowing problems (dysphagia) are common after a stroke, with Parkinson’s disease or dementia, and after head and neck cancer treatment. They are easy to miss. Tick any of the signs below that you have noticed in the past month.
During meals
- ☐ Coughing or choking when eating or drinking
- ☐ A wet, gurgly voice after swallowing
- ☐ Food or drink feels stuck in the throat or chest
- ☐ Food left in the mouth after swallowing
- ☐ Food or drink coming out of the nose
- ☐ Needing to swallow several times for one mouthful
Eating habits
- ☐ Meals take much longer than before
- ☐ Avoiding certain foods or drinks because they are hard to swallow
- ☐ Difficulty swallowing tablets
Health changes
- ☐ Losing weight without trying
- ☐ Repeated chest infections or pneumonia
- ☐ Drinking less, or signs of dehydration
What your result means
- No ticks: No signs for now. Check again if anything changes.
- 1 tick: Keep an eye on it, and mention it to your doctor.
- 2 or more ticks: We recommend a swallowing assessment by a speech therapist.
Seek medical help urgently if there is choking that blocks breathing, a high fever with coughing after meals, or a sudden inability to swallow.
This self-check is for general information only. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a professional assessment.
How we can help
We assess and treat adults with swallowing difficulties through home visits across Singapore, at nursing homes and care facilities, and online. With your consent, we update your doctor or care team. Learn more about home speech and swallowing therapy for adults.