Dysphagia
Dysphagia is difficulty or discomfort when swallowing. It takes 25 different muscles and 5 different nerves to swallow. A problem with any of these muscles or nerves can result in dysphagia. Occasional difficulty swallowing may simply occur when you eat too fast or do not chew your food well enough and may not be a cause for concern. However, constant difficulty swallowing may indicate a serious condition needing treatment.
Pain in the mouth or stiffness or pain in the jaw muscles can lead to troubles chewing your food. Having tooth loss or pain in your teeth, sore gums or dentures that do not fit right can cause chewing problems. Sometimes dry mouth and reduced saliva makes chewing difficult.
Signs of troubles swallowing and chewing:
- Taking more time than usual to eat foods
- Cough or clear your throat a lot during or after eating or drinking
- Sounding "gurgly" or have a "wet" sounding voice after swallowing
- Cough when eating or drinking
- Having a hard time moving food around in your mouth or holding food in your mouth
- Food dribbles out of your mouth
- Refusing to eat certain foods
- Complaints of food sticking in your throat
- Food left in your mouth, after you are finished your meal
Health Risks
If you have troubles swallowing, you may be at risk of aspiration (food and drink entering the airway, which could lead to lung infections) and choking.
When people have troubles chewing and swallowing food, the results can lead to malnutrition (taking in too little protein and calories to stay healthy) and dehydration and include:
- weight loss
- weak muscles
- confusion
- dehydration
- skin sores
- Infections (chest infections, which could cause ongoing lung problems and/or pneumonia)
- stress for the person, family, and/or caregiver
- social difficulties or isolation
What to do?
- Providing safe and appropriate foods reduces the risk of aspiration and choking, as well as malnutrition and dehydration. Consuming foods that are easier to chew and swallow can make eating more enjoyable, while meeting our daily nutrition needs.
- You can find more information about modified foods and fluids at www.iddsi.org
- A Dietitian, as well as a Speech Language Pathologist and / or Occupational Therapist can help you determine the best plan for ease and safety at meals with nutritious foods.
- To ensure your meals are enjoyable and safe:
- Check that dentures, hearing aids and glasses are in.
- Eat slowly. Take small bites (teaspoon size).
- Swallow each bite before taking the next bite.
- Proper dental hygiene, that is, cleaning and brushing your teeth, is important after each meal.
- Present food in a pleasing manner to make mealtimes more enjoyable.
- It is important that the food is not too hot or cold.