Essentially, dysphagia is the term for any form of swallowing difficulty and can affect anyone of any age.
Although, in some cases, the exact cause of their own dysphagia cannot be conclusively determined, as a rule, you generally find that dysphagia has occurred in relation to another issue, such as an injury to the head, learning disabilities or a wide range of other causes.
If you, or a loved one, have been diagnosed with dysphagia, then continue reading to learn more about living with Dysphagia.
Table of Contents
The Key Symptoms of Dysphagia
For those people who either want to find out more about their newly-diagnosed condition or else are only starting to wonder whether they do indeed have dysphagia, it may well be helpful to familiarize yourself with the main symptoms most commonly experienced.
Such common symptoms include, amongst others, the following:
- A wet-sounding voice after eating
- Drink or food coming out of your nose or mouth
- Runny eyes or runny nose while eating
- Discomfort and pain when actually swallowing
- Food leftover in the mouth after swallowing
- Regurgitation
Try Out a Thickening Agent
One of the most proven-to-be effective aids for adults and children alike who struggle to eat enough food and, indeed, enough variety of food due to their dysphagia is to start using a thickening agent.
Simply Thick thickening agent is one of the oldest and the best and is both surprisingly affordable and the favorite choice of thickening agent for thousands and thousands of people with dysphagia up and down the country.
Learn the Rules of Safe Swallowing
Whether or not you choose to use a thickening agent, although it is strongly advised that you at least try it out, it is also important to learn the rules of safe swallowing as a person living with dysphagia.
Always making a concerted effort never to talk when food is in your mouth, avoiding high-risk foods entirely, having smaller portions but eating more frequently, and sitting in an upright position whenever eating or drinking are all rules you should follow.
Other suggestions for safer swallowing for both snacks and meals alike include never feeling or creating a situation wherein you are rushed, reducing or even eradicating distractions such as the television or your smartphone, and taking smaller bites of food.
Change the Way You Cook & Prepare Your Food
It may well be the case if you yourself have dysphagia, you often feel reluctant to accept a family meal invitation to a restaurant, but when you are at home, you can control the types of food you eat more easily.
If you do not already do this, make sure that from now on you cook any meat until it is exceedingly tender and ‘melt in the mouth’ and that any accompanying potatoes are creamy, smooth, and lump-free.
In addition, have a large sieve to hand to get rid of any husks, pips, gristle, seeds, and skins both before cooking and then again before serving.
Finally, try out different sizes of portions to find the right amount of food for each meal that best suits you.
