Dysphagia is the medical term used to describe a swallowing difficulty. It is not a disease, but rather a consequence of various medical conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, MS, muscular dystrophy, mouth and throat cancers, and even ageing. Dysphagia is a lot more common than we might think, representing about 2 million Canadians affected, at various severity.
It is mainly characterized by difficulties managing and manipulating food, beverages or even medication in the mouth or during the transportation from the mouth into the throat or the esophagus.
The main symptoms of dysphagia, to name a few, are:
- Choking
- Coughing while eating/drinking/swallowing pills
- Gurgly/wet voice after swallowing
- Need to frequently clear the throat at meal time
- Sensation of food stuck in the throat
- Keeping food, liquids or medication for a long time in the mouth, and sometimes spitting them out
Some of the major consequences of dysphagia are:
- Life-threatening pneumonias related to passage of food/liquids/medication/secretions into the the airways (Also known as Aspiration Pneumonia)
- Obstruction of airways requiring first-aid manoeuvres
- Social isolation from embarrassment of eating in front of people
- Weight-loss and Malnutrition related to avoidance of food from fear of choking
What can be done to manage dysphagia?
Many strategies can be considered when someone suffers from dysphagia. For example, a registered dietitian or healthcare practitioner might recommend modifying the textures of the food (minced, moist, cut up, pureed) as well as the consistency of beverages with the help of thickeners.
The dysphagia team (occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, registered dietitian) can also suggest some strategies to help during feeding time. For example, optimal positioning, small bites, alternate between solids and liquids, the use of different feeding aids, oral-motor exercices to strenghten the mouth, tongue and swallowing capacity, and so on.
Ultimately, if a person presents a severe risk of choking or developing aspiration pneumonia, even with strategies, a feeding tube might be considered, depending on the level of care.
Disclaimer: this blog provides general information on dysphagia and should not be used to diagnose or treat a person. The information listed above does not replace the professional advice of a healthcare provider. It is recommended to seek professional advice tailored to your needs.
For more information, visit the dysphagia products tab on The Nutrition Catalog website.
References:
- (2024). What is dysphagia? Dysphagia care. https://www.dysphagiacare.ca/what-dysphagia
- Burns, D. (2023, April 20). Dysphagia Background. PEN: Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition. https://www.pennutrition.com/KnowledgePathway.aspx