How to Provide Nutrition to Swallowing Disorder Patients

Individuals with dysphasia may have nutritional problems. They find it challenging to swallow many foods and eat the same thing repeatedly. Pureed food was the only option for these individuals at one time, but times are changing. What is dysphasia, and why is it challenging to meet the nutritional needs of an individual diagnosed with this disorder? 

What is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia is a medical condition in which a person has difficulty swallowing. An underlying condition interferes with this ability. Several nerves and muscles must coordinate when a person eats. These nerves and muscles help chew food, move it to the back of the throat, allow the food to move down, and close the vocal cord so it does not come back up again. The muscles and nerves also help move the food into the esophagus and the stomach.

When one or more of these muscles and nerves do not work, a person may cough or gag when swallowing. Some people say they feel like their food is stuck in their throat or have pain when they swallow. Drooling while eating may be another sign of dysphagia. People with dysphasia are at risk of choking or developing aspiration pneumonia. They may lose weight, become malnourished, and struggle with dehydration because they can't eat or drink enough. Many people in this situation turn to YouTube videos from SimplyThick to learn more about their condition and how they can eat nutritious meals.

Diagnosing and Treating Dysphagia

Otolaryngologists diagnose and treat patients with dysphagia. Using an imaging test, they must identify which part of the swallowing process does not work correctly. This test allows the doctor to see what's happening inside the mouth and throat as the person eats or drinks. They may also use an endoscope to see what happens when someone swallows.

When the doctor makes a diagnosis, a speech and language pathologist is called in to help create a treatment plan for the patient. Some patients need surgery to make the throat larger, while others need exercises to strengthen the muscles in the mouth and throat. The doctor and speech and language pathologist may recommend thickening food to make it easier to swallow or using smaller utensils. These steps can help the patient have a balanced and nutritious diet.

People with mild dysphasia may eat most foods as long as they avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods. They must also take small bites. Those with moderate dysphagia need soft and moist textures, making pushing the food to the back of the throat easy. 

A person with severe dysphagia must eat pureed food. The texture of this food should resemble pudding to make it easier for them to hold the food in their mouth and swallow. They cannot have raw, coarse textures that require them to chew and manipulate the food in their mouths. 

Most foods can easily be pureed using a blender or food processor. The person preparing the food needs to add a little liquid to it. Individuals with severe dysphagia may also need to thicken any drinks or soups they consume, making them easier to swallow.

Eating Challenges

Many people find their dysphasia diet affects their quality of life. Eating is more than something people do to survive. Many meals involve socialization. When one person can't eat what others are, they may become embarrassed and begin avoiding these situations. Many people with this condition lose all interest in food.

Men and women with dysphasia can enjoy healthy, nutritious meals. Speech and language pathologists help people with this medical condition develop a diet they love and enjoy eating. Make an appointment with one of these professionals today and begin the journey of creating a diet that makes meals enjoyable once again.