Dysphagia and Swallowing Disorders How To Manage Them Later in Life

There is a lot of information online for carers or those who work with the elderly or people who have issues such as dysphagia.

If you are someone who has been diagnosed with dysphagia, and do not have a carer, you may want some answers as to the best way to manage this disorder in your own home, which will help you to retain your independence for as long as possible.

So, this article seeks to provide some tips for those who have dysphagia, as well as some advice as to how best manage and track it too.

Soft Foods (that you like!)

The first thing that is likely to need altering is your diet. You should aim to explore different kinds of foods that you can consume that are liquid based and are rich in calories. So, it’s worth looking into places like the SimplyThick Organization, as the entire premise of this business is to provide food agents for people with dysphagia. But always aim to eat softer foods, eat little and often, and make sure you are hydrated.

Sit Upright

This can be a bit tougher if you have issues with your mobility, but one of the best ways to ensure that the food you eat will go down and stay down is to sit upright. Gravity can be very helpful in moving food down the esophagus! But, if you are having problems with lifting your head to eat food, it is worth calling a friend or family member for help.

Drink Small Amounts

As mentioned before, you will need to eat and drink little and often. While it may seem logical to invest in a straw to help you drink, this can actually be counterproductive. If you drink through a straw, you will not be able to better control the amount of liquid that goes into your mouth, which can result in coughing or choking. So, sip a glass of water as you go about the day to stay hydrated.

Take Notes

It is important that you take notes if you can. This will help doctors and other professionals to better assess your condition and track its progress.

If you were once able to eat pancakes with your dysphagia, but are now finding it difficult, this needs to be recorded and reported to your doctor. It may signify an issue with a disorder progressing or could point to an obstruction forming. The latter is particularly important, especially if you have a history of cancer, so get it checked!

Seek Medical Help

When you have dysphagia, you are going to need some medical assistance with managing it. Indeed, even if you are perfectly capable of feeding yourself, you will need to attend regular doctor appointments to ensure that your weight is steady, and that there are no issues occurring with your liver, kidneys or any other organs. Also, if you notice a change in your dietary capacity, you should seek the advice of medical staff as soon as you can to have the underlying cause identified and explored in more depth.

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