SMC Spotlight: Flexible endoscopy services

Shoshone Medical Center recently announced it is offering flexible endoscopy services through its Speech Therapy department. Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing will be a new service provided by speech therapist Sean Curran.

Swallowing dysfunction is a common problem, according to an SMC press release. Dysphagia, the medical term for difficulty with swallowing, can happen at any age, but it is more common in older adults.

Common causes of swallowing dysfunction include acid reflux, cancer and associated treatments, stroke, and neurological diseases such as Parkinson's. 

FEES allows a speech therapist to diagnose, offer appropriate, real-time solutions, and determine the best treatment.