Dealing with Dysphagia

Those dealing with Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Cancer, Stroke, and Aging may have a common condition known as Dysphagia.

Dysphagia occurs when your throat cannot control the muscles and therefore you are unable to properly swallow foods and liquids.

While healthy persons can easily swallow foods and liquids, dysphagia can cause aspiration pneumonia by getting food or liquids into the lungs.  This is a serious condition and anyone with dysphagia must be closely monitored especially during mealtimes when chocking can occur. In addition, be aware of any sudden weight loss, the darkness of your urine, constipation, and dry mouth.  These are signals of dehydration, and you need to contact your physician soon. 

You should avoid the following:

Eating small pieces of food

Eating hard to chew foods (like nuts and raw vegetables)

Eating foods that break apart

Eating dry meats

Eating plain rice

Eating bread

Talking during meals

Things that you should do:

Consult your physician and a speech pathologist to learn exercise techniques that can strengthen your swallowing muscles and proper posture

Smell your food to stimulate your salivary glands and appetite

Moisten your food with butter, gravy or sauce

Take small bites of your food

Take small sips of liquids

Modifying the consistency of your foods and liquids to will allow for safer swallowing.

Since your condition makes it very difficult to eat solid foods.  It is more important to remain hydrated and nourished.  You will most likely need to blenderize your solid foods to a smooth consistency, and by adding a product like Resource ThickenUp or ThickIt adds shape and body to pureed foods.

Liquids can be dangerous, so you must modify the consistency of the beverage. There are 3 types of consistencies nectar, honey, and pudding that your healthcare professional may recommend for treatment. Resource ThickenUp also comes in convenient pre-thickened beverages providing a consistent pre-measured thickness, and quality assurance comes from a state of the art manufacturing process.  The pre-thickened flavors that are available are Orange, Apple, Cranberry, Dairy, Vanilla Dairy, and Water with a hint of lemon.  Coffee comes in a pre-measured packet of powder that mixes with hot water.

Resource ThickenUp maintains the taste and flavor of foods and liquids without the starchy taste.  It mixes easily into foods and beverages to quickly reach the consistency prescribed by your healthcare professional.

Following your healthcare professional’s advice and instructions will help maintain your health and improve your quality of life.

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