Speech Language Pathology
Speech-language pathology is the treatment of communication disorders including speech, language, and swallowing disorders. These include disorders such as vocal cord dysfuncion (VCD) or paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM), chronic cough, swallowing disorders or dysphagia, chronic hoarseness and other voice disorders.
Our Services
Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) or Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion (PVFM) Management
VCD is the abnormal closure of the vocal cords when they should be open. Symptoms of VCD can mimic symptoms of asthma and VCD can also co-occur with asthma. Patients with both VCD and asthma, often find increased difficulty treating their asthma symptoms. The proper diagnosis of VCD is important. Contributing irritants for the upper airway such as chronic cough/throat clearing behavior, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)), laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), and chronic post-nasal drainage must be managed. Speech Pathologists at National Jewish Health have experience helping the patient manage irritation to the upper airway: such as chronic cough and throat clearing behavior. Speech therapy is a very important part of the treatment for VCD. Special exercises increase the awareness of abdominal breathing and relax the throat muscles.Videostroboscopy
Videostroboscopy is a state-of-the-art technique that provides a magnified, slow-motion view of your vocal cords in action. It slows down the motion of the vocal folds in order to identify subtle changes in vibratory patterns that are diagnostically significant. It enables physicians to make an accurate diagnosis of conditions and diseases of the vocal cords. The examination is conducted by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or physician who specializes in laryngeal disorders. To help the physician or SLP view the vocal cords, a small, angled telescope will be placed into your mouth or a flexible telescope may be placed through your nose. You will be asked to repeat several words and make specific sounds to make your vocal cords vibrate.Chronic Cough Control
Speech Pathologists at National Jewish Health are trained in providing cough control techniques to help with chronic, dry coughing. Treatment provided for chronic cough can also involve evaluation of the patients swallowing, if swallowing difficulty is also present. Exercises to help prevent the vocal folds from slamming together and open the upper airway are also provided to eliminate the harsh and abusive nature of chronic cough for the vocal folds. Voice therapy may also be part of treatment for chronic cough if hoarseness is ongoing for over 2 weeks.Swallowing Disorders or Dysphagia Evaluation
The Speech Pathology Department at National Jewish Health provides evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders that may involve the mouth and/or the throat. When an individual has a swallowing problem it could put them at higher risk of getting food or liquids into their lungs. Food or liquid in the lungs or airway is also known as aspiration. Aspiration can contribute to chronic lung infections or to other lung diseases. The evaluation of the swallowing mechanism may involve use of fluoroscopy (moving x-ray) or endoscopy to assess the protection of the airway and to also find appropriate therapy methods to improve the swallow.Voice Disorder Evaluation
The Speech Pathology Department at National Jewish Health can evaluate and treat voice disorders - including laryngectomy. Chronic hoarseness or a change in the voice for over 2 weeks is a concern. An individual may have a change in their voice quality possibly due to a neurological change or due to misuse of their voice. It is important for the individual to have a full evaluation by an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) physician to determine the underlying cause of the individuals voice problems. The ENT diagnosis allows the Speech Pathologist to provide the appropriate voice treatment.Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT®)
Our speech-language pathologists now provide LSVT®, which is the first effective method for treating voice and speech disorders in individuals with Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders. Learn more.
Doctors
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Ali Bakke, MA, CCC-SLP
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Kristen Boretti, MS, CCC-SLP
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Aspen Christen, MS, CCC-SLP
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Emily A. Nauman, MA, CCC-SLP
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Amy O'Connell, MS, CCC-SLP
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Conner Vergoz, MA, CCC-SLP
Clinical Trials
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) & GERD
The purpose of this study is to measure and accurately identify the presence and severity of gastroesphageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly called acid reflux, in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients using the Supraglottic Index (SGI).
Learn More- ADRN-12/LEADS (Longitudinal Endotyping of Atopic Dermatitis Through Transcriptomic Skin Analysis)
- Atopic Dermatitis & Skin Infections
- BBT-877: Possible Treatment for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
- BEACON-CF: Investigational mRNA Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis
- Biomarkers & Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Progression
- Blood Test to Help Identify Cancer
- Can Pembrolizumab (MK3475) with SBRT Treatment Stop or Slow Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?
- Creating Asthma Measurements through the MORRE Study
- Effects of Pregnancy for Cystic Fibrosis Patients
- Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer Combination Treatment
- Healthy Adults Needed for Beryllium Disease Study
- Healthy People Needed for Sarcoidosis Research
- Identifying Characteristics and Patterns of Asthma
- ILD & Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Immune Pathways & Development of Sarcoidosis
- Improving Treatment for IPF
- Investigational Gene Therapy for Adults with CF
- Link Between Rheumatoid Arthritis & Lung Disease
- Lung Cancer & COVID Infection
- Lung Injury from Military Deployment
- Mineral Dust & Lung Disease
- MyAI Registry for People with Adrenal Insufficiency
- New Trial Medication for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
- OCEAN Study for EGPA
- Possible New Inhaled Treatment Option for PH with ILD
- Potential New Treatment for Metastatic Lung Cancer
- PRA023 for Systemic Sclerosis with Interstitial Lung Disease
- Predict and Prevent Lung Disease
- Predicting ILD from Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension & increased dose of Opsumit
- Pulmonary Fibrosis & Genetic Factors
- RESOLVE-Lung Study for Pulmonary Sarcoidosis
- Silicosis Registry
- Skin Reactions to Cancer Immunotherapy
- Skin, Airway & Esophageal Epithelial Barriers in Youth
- SUNBEAM: Studying Allergy Development in Babies
- SUNRISE Trial for Oral Steroid Dependent Asthma
- Testing Blood’s Response to Foreign Substances
- Treating Deployment-Related Asthma with Supplements
- Understanding Allergy Development in Infants
- Understanding Reproductive Health Concerns in Men with CF
- Understanding Skin Problems from Eczema and Food Allergies
- XTMAB-16: A New Drug to Reduce Steroid Use in Sarcoidosis
Reasons to Choose National Jewish Health
- The leading respiratory hospital in the nation and the only one devoted fully to the treatment of respiratory and related illnesses
- Ranked #1 or #2 in Pulmonology by U.S. News & World Report for 26 consecutive years
- Ranked in the top 5% of hospitals in the nation by HCAHPS
- Physicians consistently recognized among the best in the nation by multiple services, including Best Doctors in America and Castle Connolly
- Among the top 6% of organizations funded for research by the NIH, providing patients access to hundreds of active clinical trials
- 124-year history of focus on care, research and education serving patients from around the world with lung, heart, immune and related disorders
Finding Care for Sarcoidosis in My Own Backyard
“The providers at National Jewish Health are problem solvers, not symptom solvers,” she stated. “They’re not willing to stop after fixing one problem, they look at the whole patient.”
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