What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. It is when people have trouble moving food, liquid, pills or even saliva out of the mouth, through the throat and esophagus (food tube), and into the stomach.
Resources We Offer
SwallowStudy.com Blog
SubscribeStay up-to-date in the field of swallowing and swallowing disorders (dysphagia). Read, comment and ask questions on my latest collection of hot topics.

High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC): Does it increase dysphagia & aspiration risk?
High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC): Does it increase dysphagia & aspiration risk by Karen Sheffler, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S...
Snacks for People with Dysphagia (IDDSI Style)
Snacks for People with Dysphagia by Karen Sheffler, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S of SwallowStudycom Oh my! How many...
Diet Modification Without Mastication Evaluation?
Diet Modification Without Complete Mastication Evaluation by Karen Sheffler, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S of...General Resources
Find out more on dysphagia, swallow studies, and more with this compilation of educational information for all.
View MoreClinical Resources
Central place to guide clinicians through the online dysphagia world and provide useful resources to enhance patient care.
View MoreProduct Reviews
Expert-opinions on a wide range of dysphagia products and resources for people with difficulty swallowing and their caregivers.
View MoreAbout Karen Sheffler, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Download CVI graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1995 with master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. There, I was influenced by great mentors in the field of swallowing and swallowing disorders (dysphagia) like Jay Rosenbek, JoAnne Robbins, and James Coyle. Once the “dysphagia-bug” bit, I have never looked back.
Initially, I worked in skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers, but since 1999 I have been in acute care. I obtained my Board Certification as a Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S) in August of 2012. I am committed to life-long-learning. I was awarded my 7th ASHA Award for Continuing Education (ACE Award) in June 2020. I am committed to increasing public awareness in dysphagia. I am a member of the Dysphagia Research Society (DRS), the American Speech-Language Hearing Association’s Special Interest Group 13: Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders, and the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders (NFOSD). I am co-chair of the Public Relations Committee of the American Board of Swallowing & Swallowing Disorders. I was awarded the Hormel Health Hero Award in 2019.
I started SwallowStudy.com in May 2014 to create a valuable evidence-based dysphagia resource for professionals and patients.
Latest News
Online Training & Webinars
With her clinical expertise, connections with researchers around the world and witty humor, bring Karen on to enrich your next conference, lecture series or webinar.
Learn More