Amrita Hospital, Kochi launches "SWALLO" a revolutionary mobile application designed to support individuals suffering from swallowing disorders (Dysphagia) first time in India. This groundbreaking initiative was launched at the 'Dysphagia 2023' international conference, which is part of the 10th-anniversary celebration of the MSc Deglutology and Swallowing Disorders course at Amrita Hospital.
The app offers interactive video-based therapy sessions with medical experts, allowing patients easy access to therapeutic interventions without the need for daily hospital visits. In the first phase, SWALLO will be accessible to patients of Amrita Hospital. A subsequent public release will be available on the app stores. The application will feature live interactive sessions with the doctor on appointment. This is available in Malayalam with English subtitle and eventually for all Indian Languages.
The official inauguration of SWALLO was graced by renowned UK-based speech and swallowing rehabilitation expert, Dr. Justin Roe. Actor Sreenivasan, who inaugurated the conference, expressed his admiration for the commendable efforts made by Amrita Hospital in providing much-needed swallowing therapy in India. Swallowing therapy, a rarity in the country, is poised to transform the lives of those facing these challenges.
Dysphagia is a challenging condition affecting the ability to swallow food and fluids across any age group. It is often caused by congenital or acquired diseases in children as well as cancer or neurological diseases in adults. Psychiatric factors and other reasons have also been reported among patients. Deglutology is the specialty that focuses on the management of Dysphagia.
A deglutologist leads a team of experts from the fields of Head and Neck Surgery, Pediatrics, Oncology, Neurology, Geriatrics, and Nutrition and Diet for identification and treatment of swallowing and feeding disorders. Dysphagia can be caused by various factors, including neurological conditions, structural abnormalities, post-surgical complications, and age-related changes. It can also be underdiagnosed, especially in older adults who may attribute swallowing difficulties to the aging process or other health issues. The treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include dietary modifications, swallowing exercises, medications, or surgical interventions.
