Esophageal Dysphagia

by

Teresa Pudvah, MA, CCC-SLP

Veronica Croesus, MS, CCC-SLP

Available January 15-December 31, 2026 for .1 ASHA CEUs/ 1 Act 48 PDH

Course Abstract

This course will define esophageal dysphagia and related terms that an SLP needs to knowin order to provide efficient and appropriate referrals in dysphagia management.  As a medical SLP, it is important to understand screening procedures for esophageal dysphagia during a videofluroscopic swallow study/modified barrium swallow (VFSS/MBS).  Protocols such as the Robust Esophageal Screening Test protocol will be discussed as well as the importance of completion of AP view during MBS.  A crucial component of esophageal screening is collaboration between the radiologist and SLP which may require mutual education and professional communication on difficult topics.  We will discuss a performance improvement initiative completed at our institution to begin breaking down barriers to esophageal screening.

Time Ordered Agenda

5 min—Introductions 

15 min—Review of terminology and definitions

15 min—Discussion re: the relationship between oropharyngeal dysphagia and esophageal dysphagia

20 min—Explore the importance of esophageal screening during VFSS, how to complete an effective screening, and potential barriers

5 min—Question/Answer Session

Learning Objectives
The learner will...

1)  Define and use technology associated with esophageal dysphagia as demonstrated through discussion, case examples, or response to instructor provided prompts

2) Describe the relationship between oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia, including at least two ways to in which esophageal disorders may influence oropharygeal findings during clinical or instrumental assessment.

3) Identify and apply evidence-based esophageal screening components of a VFSS demonstrated through analysis of a sample VFSS clips or completion of a structured screening checklist.

Speaker Biographies
Teresa Pudvah, MA, CCC-SLP is a rehabilitation manager for the Inpatient Speech department at Lehigh Valley Health Network, proudly part of Jefferson Health, in Allentown, PA. She earned her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Northwestern University in December 2005 and has over 20 years of clinical experience as a speech-language pathologist in acute care/long-term acute care hospitals with a strong focus on patients with complex airways, including tracheostomy and laryngectomy. In her leadership role, Teresa is dedicated to program development and ensuring implementation of best practice patterns across the inpatient continuum. Additionally, Teresa is a member of PSHA’s Healthcare and Telepractice Committee.

Financial Disclosures
Both Teresa and Veronica are paid employees of LVHN, proudly part of Jefferson Health. 

Non-financial Disclosures

Teresa and Veronica are co-chairs of the PSHA Healthcare/Telepractice committee.