Leading the Way

Swallowing disorders. A common problem that requires specialized care.

There is new hope for people for whom swallowing and keeping food down is a source of discomfort and anxiety. The experts at Loyola’s Swallowing Center, the only such specialty center in the western suburbs, have been providing effective treatment for patients who suffer from swallowing disorders.

Millions of Americans have trouble swallowing or complain of heartburn and acid reflux.

Acid reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, throat or mouth can cause inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis), chest pain, asthma and breathing problems, or ear, nose and throat complaints including recurrent coughing.

Often, diagnosis and treatment require collaboration between surgeons, gastroenterologists, otolaryngologists, speech pathologists and pulmonologists. This type of multi-disciplinary approach can rarely be found. But it is available at Loyola.

“Our diagnostic process is objective and more reliable than traditional methods,” P. Marco Fisichella, MD, medical director of the Swallowing Center, and assistant professor, Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. “It also allows us to personalize treatment for better patient care.”

The purpose of the Swallowing Center is to treat benign diseases of the esophagus, which if left untreated may lead to poor nutrition, aspiration of food or fluids into the lungs, chest pain, asthma and even esophageal cancer.

“We frequently treat patients who have been self-medicating for a couple of years and because their symptoms persist or worsen, they finally seek medical help,” Dr. Fisichella said. “Usually, we can restore their quality of life rather quickly.”

Loyola’s team uses a full range of innovative technologies and therapies to diagnose and treat swallowing disorders. Diagnostic tests offered at the Swallowing Center include high resolution impedance/esophageal manometry (HIRM), which records muscle pressure in the esophagus as well as contraction and relaxation coordination of the different structures that constitute the esophagus; and 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance pH monitoring (MII pH), which tests for acid reflux disease and measures the flow of liquid and gas through the esophagus.

Where to Find it

The Swallowing Center is located on Loyola’s Maywood campus. To schedule an appointment or to find out more about the center, please call (888) LUHS-888.