Dysphagia (swallowing disorders)

Dysphagia is a condition that affects a person's ability to swallow properly. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including neurological disorders, structural abnormalities in the throat or oesophagus, and certain medical conditions.

For further information on what to expect, see below the Pie.

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a pie from an English pub with mashed potatoes, gravy and greens

Symptoms of dysphagia may include difficulty swallowing food or liquids, coughing or choking when eating or drinking, and a sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest. Dysphagia can be a serious condition, as it can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and other complications.

What can we do to work on your dysphagia?

Speech pathologists can use a variety of techniques and strategies to help individuals with dysphagia improve their swallowing abilities. This may include:

Swallowing exercises: Speech pathologists can provide individuals with dysphagia with specific exercises and techniques to help improve their swallowing abilities. These may include exercises to strengthen the muscles used for swallowing, as well as techniques for coordinating the swallowing process.
Positioning: Speech pathologists can also provide guidance on the best positions for individuals with dysphagia to use when eating and drinking. This may include sitting upright, tilting the head back slightly, and using other positions that can help facilitate swallowing.
Diet modifications: Speech pathologists can work with individuals with dysphagia and their caregivers to develop modified diets that are safe and easy to swallow. This may include changes to the consistency of food and liquids, as well as changes to the types of food and drink that are consumed.

Overall, the goal of treatment for dysphagia is to improve an individual's swallowing abilities and to help them eat and drink safely. By working with a speech-language pathologist, individuals with dysphagia can improve their quality of life and reduce their risk of complications.

Modified diets for dysphagia are special diets that are designed to make it easier for individuals with swallowing difficulties to eat and drink safely.

Modified diets for dysphagia are tailored to each individual's specific needs and abilities. They may include changes to the consistency of food and liquids, as well as changes to the type of food and drink that is consumed. Some common modifications to diets for individuals with dysphagia include:

Thickened liquids: Thickened liquids are liquids that have been thickened with a special thickening agent to make them easier to swallow. This can include water, juice, and other beverages.
Pureed foods: Pureed foods are foods that have been blended or processed to a smooth, thick consistency. This can include fruits, vegetables, meats, and other foods.
Soft foods: Soft foods are foods that are easy to chew and swallow, and are less likely to get stuck in the throat. These may include cooked fruits and vegetables, soft-cooked meats, and other foods that are easy to chew and swallow.

Modified diets for dysphagia can help individuals with swallowing difficulties eat and drink safely, and can improve their nutrition and hydration. These diets are often recommended by speech-language pathologists and other healthcare professionals, and can be an important part of treatment for individuals with dysphagia.

Our goal will always be to have you on the safest diet that matches your life style/food choices.