As we age, our throat and mouth muscles naturally weaken, making it tough to eat dry or grainy foods and drink thickened beverages. Up to 6 million older adults in the United States can be at risk for dysphagia or swallowing problems.
What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is simply the consistent disruption of the swallowing process. according to the best dentist in Tampa. The occasional difficulty in swallowing problems in the elderly, such as when one eats too fast or doesn’t chew properly, is rarely a concern. Dysphagia can occur at any age but it’s most prevalent among seniors. If left untreated, it can lead to several problems such as:
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Loss of appetite
- Reduced medication efficacy
- Aspiration pneumonia
What Causes Dysphagia?
Swallowing is an intricate bodily process. Any condition that damages or weakens the nerves and muscles used for swallowing or leads to the narrowing of the back of the throat or esophagus can cause dysphagia. A few common causes of dysphagia are as follows:
- Aging
- Poor oral health
- Acid reflux
- Cancer of the mouth, throat, or esophagus
- Stroke
- Certain neurological or nervous system disorders (such as Multiple Sclerosis)
- Poorly fitted dentures
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Symptoms of Dysphagia
Following are some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with dysphagia:
- Pain while swallowing
- Regurgitation (food coming back up into the throat after it is chewed)
- Gagging or coughing while swallowing
- Persistent drooling of saliva
- A sensation that food is stuck in the throat or chest
- Coughing while eating or drinking
- Frequent heartburn
How is Dysphagia Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider will try to determine which part of the swallowing process is causing trouble. The following are some of the tests used to diagnose dysphagia:
- Barium Swallow Test
The patient swallows a liquid down the throat that contains barium which shows up in the X-Ray and helps the doctor determine what is happening in the esophagus.
- Swallow study
Usually administered by a speech therapist, seniors need to swallow barium-coated foods of different consistencies. This test provides an image of these foods as they travel down the throat.
- Endoscopy
The doctor will use a camera to look down into the esophagus to find any inflammation, narrowing, or tumor.
- Fiber-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES)
The doctor will examine the throat with a camera and endoscope (lighted tube) as you try to swallow.
- Manometry
This test is conducted if the result of an Endoscopy is inconclusive. A small tube is positioned into the esophagus =, and the patient swallows.
How to Manage Dysphagia in Seniors
Many cases of Dysphagia can be improved over time. The following are some of the ways seniors can manage dysphagia:
- Do not swallow big pills
Swallowing medication can increase the risk of choking. Instead, pills should be crushed up and mixed with pureed foods and drinks such as pudding, applesauce, or smoothies. Doing this also helps in getting rid of the bad taste of the medicines.
However, some pills are labeled “not to be crushed” so it’s a good idea to consult the healthcare provider as to how to take them. Choose oral suspension medicines whenever possible on the advice of a healthcare provider.
- Avoid certain foods
Stay away from crumbly and grainy foods like crackers or rice to avoid choking or gagging. Also, avoid dry, spicy, and salty foods as they can irritate the tissues and cause dry mouth
Even though ice cream and Jell-O are popular dessert choices among the elderly, avoid them if you have swallowing problems. They liquefy while eating and can cause aspiration when swallowed.
- Maintain a good posture
It is crucial for people suffering from swallowing problems to sit completely upright while eating and drinking. This helps the foods and drinks go down easily. If a person is in a hospital bed or recliner or wheelchair, ask your caregiver or a loved one to hold your head up while eating and drinking.
- Have small & frequent meals
Seniors with dysphagia may need longer duration to complete their meals and eating at a stretch longer than 15 minutes can be exhausting for them. Therefore, it is important to take small, mindful, and frequent meals throughout the day which will not take more than 5 to 7 minutes to finish.
Avoid eating fast and keep distractions such as TV or radio or the mobile phone away. Instead, try to eat with loved ones whenever you can to encourage family interaction.
- Choose soft foods
Make it a point to get adequate nutrition by eating soft, moist foods such as tuna salad or oatmeal, or soup. Eat your vegetables steamed and flavor them with mild seasonings and sauces. If you particularly suffer from dry mouth, eat pureed foods. Additionally, chew sugar-free gum or suck on a sugar-free candy between meals to encourage the production of saliva which might help in easy ingestion.
- Stay hydrated
Swallowing problems might make it tough for elders to notice thirst, making it easier to become dehydrated. Try to avoid drinking thickened liquids which take longer than drinking non-thickened ones and where there’s increased risk of choking.
Summing It Up
Dysphagia or swallowing problems can be particularly challenging to deal with in everyday life, and a cure isn’t always possible. If you suffer from dysphagia or are taking care of someone suffering from dysphagia, be patient during mealtimes and don’t rush them. With safe swallowing practices and adequate treatment, dysphagia can be managed.