What is dysphagia? - (swallowing problems)

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What is dysphagia?

Dysphagia describes any difficulty in eating, drinking, or swallowing and affects people with a range of conditions.¹

Dysphagia has many causes and, if not treated appropriately, can result in dehydration, malnutrition, and pneumonia.¹

Dysphagia can affect different patient groups and can be a result of many medical conditions including stroke, motor neurone disease (MND), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and head and neck cancer.¹

Do I have dysphagia?²

Do you have one of the following issues:

Experience difficulty chewing or swallowing?
Often cough or choke when eating or drinking?
Frequent throat clearing?
Bring food back up, sometimes through your nose?
Drool a lot of saliva?
Have recurrent chest infections?
Often have a sensation of food or drink getting stuck in your throat or chest?

Tips and tricks

When managing your Dysphagia from home, there are ways that you can help yourself to get the nutrition and hydration you need while also minimising the risks associated with Dysphagia.³

Always make sure that you sit upright in a 90-degree position to eat and drink If you can, it is best to eat all meals at a table to ensure proper posture.³

Always make sure to set aside some time to eat your meal. Rushing through a meal can increase the risk of choking.³

Take small, manageable bites of food.³

Oral hygiene is of key importance. Ensure the mouth is clean following eating and drinking and follow a regular mouthcare routine to avoid chest infections.³