Sydney Swallow Questionnaire (SSQ)

Uncountable swallowing functions has become a frequently having several different symptom watched in HNC head and neck cancer survivors. The swallowing Questionnaire is emphasized to assist us setup the harsh treatment of your swallowing problem.

20 Sample Sydney Swallow Questionnaire

  1. Do you have difficulty swallowing food or liquids?
  2. Do you cough or choke while eating or drinking?
  3. Do you feel that food gets stuck in your throat?
  4. Do you feel food remains in your mouth after swallowing?
  5. Do you have difficulty swallowing solid foods such as meat or bread?
  6. Do you have difficulty swallowing liquids such as water?
  7. Do you need to swallow several times to clear food?
  8. Do you experience pain when swallowing?
  9. Have you noticed unexplained weight loss?
  10. Do you avoid certain foods because they are difficult to swallow?
  11. Do you take longer than usual to finish meals?
  12. Do you experience a wet, gurgly, or changed voice after eating or drinking?
  13. Do you frequently clear your throat during or after meals?
  14. Have you experienced repeated chest infections or pneumonia?
  15. Do you feel short of breath while eating or drinking?
  16. Have you experienced swallowing problems following a stroke, surgery, or neurological condition?
  17. Do you have heartburn, reflux, or regurgitation?
  18. Do you need to change the texture or consistency of your food?
  19. Have your swallowing difficulties affected your enjoyment of meals or social activities?
  20. Would you like a healthcare professional to assess your swallowing?
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Sydney clinics and specialists to research

For readers looking for professional assessment in Sydney, these are relevant services rather than simply general medical clinics:

  • Sydney Swallowing Diagnostics — specialises in swallowing assessment using FEES (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing). Its website states that it provides swallowing assessment services and has extensive dysphagia experience.
  • Sydney Voice and Swallowing — an ENT-focused clinic relevant to voice and swallowing concerns.
  • Sydney Centre for Ear, Nose & Throat — ENT specialists who may be appropriate when a swallowing problem requires ENT assessment.
  • St George Swallow Centre — a specialised multidisciplinary service involving gastroenterologists, speech pathologists and dietitians for swallowing disorders.
  • University of Sydney SPEECH Clinic — provides assessment and therapy for communication and swallowing difficulties for children and adults.
  • St Vincent's Hospital Sydney Speech Pathology — provides dysphagia assessment and investigations including VFSS and FEES.

For a patient-facing article, I would title it “Sydney Swallow Questionnaire: 20 Questions to Help Identify Swallowing Difficulties” rather than implying the questionnaire itself diagnoses dysphagia. A questionnaire can help identify symptoms, but a qualified speech pathologist, ENT specialist, gastroenterologist, or other appropriate clinician should assess persistent swallowing problems.