How to Talk to Your Doctor About a Referral to a Speech-Language Pathologist for Swallowing Concerns

If you’ve ever felt like food or liquid “gets stuck,” coughed or choked during meals, or avoided certain foods because they’re hard to swallow, you may be experiencing a swallowing disorder (also called dysphagia). These issues are more common than many people realize—and they should never be ignored.

The good news? Help is available. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are trained to evaluate and treat swallowing disorders, but you’ll usually need a referral from your doctor to get started. Here’s how to prepare for that conversation:

1. Know the Signs That Warrant a Conversation

Bring up swallowing concerns with your doctor if you notice:

• Frequent coughing or throat clearing when eating or drinking

  
  
  
  

• Food or pills “sticking” in your throat or chest

  
  
  
  

• Unexplained weight loss

  
  
  
  

• Pneumonia or chest infections

  
  
  
  

• Avoiding certain foods or taking much longer to eat

  
  
  
  

Your doctor needs to know these details to understand the impact on your health.

2. Be Specific When Describing Symptoms

Instead of saying “I have trouble swallowing,” try:

• “I cough almost every time I drink water.”

  
  
  
  

• “Food feels like it gets stuck right here (point to throat or chest).”

  
  
  
  

• “I’ve been eating less because it feels unsafe.”

  
  
  
  

Clear, concrete examples make it easier for your doctor to understand the seriousness of the problem.

3. Ask Directly About a Referral

Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. You can say:

• “I’ve read that speech-language pathologists treat swallowing disorders. Could I get a referral?”

  
  
  
  

• “Would a swallowing evaluation be helpful to rule out dysphagia?”

  
  
  
  

4. Understand What Comes Next

If your doctor agrees, they may refer you for:

• A clinical swallowing evaluation with an SLP

  
  
  
  

• An instrumental study, such as a modified barium swallow or FEES (fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing), to see how food and liquid move through your throat

  
  
  
  

From there, an SLP can recommend safe swallowing strategies, diet modifications, or therapy exercises to strengthen your swallow.

5. Remember—You Deserve Safe and Enjoyable Eating

Swallowing should be safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. If you’re struggling, you don’t have to “just live with it.” The first step is speaking up and asking your doctor for help.

✅ Takeaway: If you’re experiencing swallowing difficulties, be clear, specific, and direct when talking to your doctor about getting a referral to a speech-language pathologist. Early evaluation can prevent complications and improve your quality of life.

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