Swallowing
Almost everyone has experienced the feeling of accidentally swallowing a bite of food that hasn’t been chewed enough or sucking a bit of solid food down their throat before having a chance to chew it at all. At the same time, few people haven’t inadvertently inhaled a swallow of a beverage on occasion. Both can be terrifying during those few seconds while you’re struggling to breathe, unsure if you’ll be able to resolve the situation on your own.
For most people, those experiences are short-lived and fairly rare. Ultimately, those rogue bits of food move on their own, or we’re able to cough up those misdirected drops of liquid to clear our airway. For millions of people, though, it’s a completely different experience. They suffer from dysphagia, and choking and aspiration are common occurrences. They’re not so easily resolved, either, and they can be particularly dangerous. If you’re feeding a loved one with swallowing problems, the following practical tips can help.
Avoid Thin Liquids
One of the most vital tips for feeding a loved one who suffers from swallowing difficulties is to avoid thin liquids. They can easily be aspirated, which means they’re inhaled into the lungs rather than proceeding through the esophagus to the stomach. That can cause choking, breathing difficulties, and aspiration pneumonia. SimplyThick can help with this issue by thickening thin liquids and reducing the risk of aspiration.
Refrain from Hard, Solid Foods
Hard, solid foods should also be avoided. They’re difficult to chew for dysphagia patients, and they pose an increased risk of choking. Consider mincing, dicing, or pureeing solid foods. Opt for soft foods, like fully cooked vegetables and fruits, pudding, custard, mashed potatoes, and cooked cereals. Stay away from foods with mixed textures, such as chunky soups. Along the way, try to pack as much nutrition as possible into the foods you provide.
Keep Mealtimes Calm
It’s important to keep mealtimes calm as well. Minimize distractions, like music, television, young children, and pets. Be patient, and feed your loved one slowly. Allow time between bites for your loved one to properly chew and swallow. Alternate between foods and beverages. Be mindful of your loved one’s need to pause and rest from time to time as well. Don’t force mealtime; doing so could exacerbate your loved one’s struggles.
Upright Position
Keeping your loved one in an upright position, as close to a 90-degree angle as possible, while they’re eating is also recommended. This may make swallowing a bit easier, and it’ll allow foods and drinks to proceed from the mouth to the stomach more effectively. There are a few exceptions to this rule, though, so be sure to consult with your loved one’s doctor and speech-language pathologist to be sure that’s the proper position for their circumstances.
Use Swallowing Techniques
A variety of swallowing techniques have been developed for people who suffer from dysphagia. Each one is geared toward a different range of swallowing difficulties. Your loved one’s SPL will determine which one is best for their unique needs. In general, try to feed your loved one small bites and sips, and place foods at the middle or near the back of the tongue without placing them too close to the throat.
Helping Your Loved One Enjoy Mealtime
Mealtimes can be unpleasant and even dangerous for people who suffer from dysphagia. When feeding someone with swallowing difficulties, it’s important to be patient and methodical and keep safety in mind. Using the tips listed here can help you make mealtime both safer and more enjoyable for your loved one.
