For many, swallowing is second nature. We sip coffee, chew snacks, and go about our days. But for people with swallowing disorders, eating and drinking are anything but enjoyable. Each meal can feel like navigating through an obstacle course. Dysphagia, difficulty swallowing, can take away the ease and enjoyment of eating and drinking. The good news is, there are practical ways to navigate this condition and get relief. Read on to make your journey safer and more manageable.
Recognizing That Something’s Not Right
You might cough often while eating or feel like food gets stuck in your throat. Do you need to clear your throat over and over, or do you find yourself choking when drinking? You may also discover that mealtimes take much longer than usual, or you start avoiding foods you once loved. These are all signs of dysphagia and should not be ignored.
You should not wait until eating or drinking becomes unsafe. Speak with your doctor early and talk about getting a swallow study done. This is the most definitive way to diagnose dysphagia. A few simple tests can reveal your condition and help you avoid complications.
Building a Plan That Works for You
Improving your swallowing starts with a tailored plan created by a dietitian or speech-language pathologist. The plan is about much more than foods to avoid. You will learn how to use a food thickening packet to thicken beverages and make them easier to swallow. The pathologist or dietician can also help you learn the best cooking methods, strategies for eating, and helpful exercises that strengthen the swallowing muscles.
Small changes can have a significant impact. For example, changing your posture during mealtimes can help prevent swallowing issues. Learning a breathe-swallow rhythm can help avoid fits of coughing or choking.
Rethink Your Drink
One of the biggest challenges for people with dysphagia is drinking thin liquids. Water, coffee, and juice can be difficult to control and can lead to aspiration. This is where drink thickeners become so essential.
They are easy to mix and work with various drinks, including hot and cold. They keep liquids at a stable consistency without turning them into a gloppy, glue-like concoction that is unappetizing. For many, thickened drinks make it easier to hydrate and feel normal again.
Make Food Fun Again
Let’s face it: Pureed foods and mushy vegetables do not always entice those with swallowing disorders. That’s why improving your condition is not just about safety but also about creativity. You will need to think outside the box. There are many helpful resources, including full cookbooks dedicated to dysphagia-friendly recipes.
Soft textures don’t have to mean a loss of flavor. You can still enjoy each meal and include desserts for a special treat.
You can use special molds to reshape pureed foods into familiar forms. Shaping prepared foods makes them more enticing and protects your dignity.
Going Beyond the Plate
Diet changes, a proper diagnosis, and professional help become necessary. But your care goes well beyond the plate. It’s important to create a calm and quiet atmosphere while eating. Avoid rushing, talking, or being distracted, which can lead to choking and aspiration.
It’s essential to celebrate your progress. Healing takes time and is not always linear. Some days will be more complicated than others.
You need to be gentle and have compassion toward yourself. These tips allow you to make integral changes that benefit your condition management.
