For most people, swallowing is something that happens so easily and naturally that we rarely give it a second thought. It’s essentially an involuntary reflex that people tend to take for granted. That being said, for around 15 million adults in America, it’s a bit more than that. They suffer from dysphagia, which makes swallowing a source of discomfort, stress, and even danger.
Swallowing difficulties can alter a person’s entire life. Though most people may not fully realize it, our lives largely revolve around food. We need it to live, but eating is often far more than an act of survival. In many cases, it’s a social activity as well. It’s meant to be enjoyable for not only the taste and texture of the food itself but the occasions surrounding it, even if they’re just quick lunches with friends. Understanding the warning signs of dysphagia, what causes it, and how to use products like SimplyThick can help make the condition more manageable.
Recognizing Swallowing Difficulties
First, take a moment to learn more about the warning signs of swallowing difficulties. This condition can range from mild to severe. Some of its symptoms include coughing or choking during meals, food sticking in the throat, and frequent chest infections due to aspirating foods and beverages. Those who suffer from it may experience weight loss because they avoid foods. Signs like taking longer than usual to finish a meal or getting tired while eating can also be indications of dysphagia.
What Causes Dysphagia?
Dysphagia can have numerous causes. Swallowing is a complex process that requires several muscles and nerves and depends on them working together properly. If something disrupts even a seemingly minor part of the process, it can cause significant difficulties. Some of the most common causes of swallowing difficulties are stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and weakness of the muscles of the throat that come from normal aging. Certain medications and medical treatments can affect a person’s ability to swallow properly as well.
Getting Support for Swallowing Difficulties
It’s important to speak with a doctor as soon as possible after noticing the warning signs of dysphagia. In some cases, the condition can be cured. Other times, dealing with its effects is the only course of action. Physicians can assess a patient’s swallowing and determine the types of difficulties they’re experiencing and their causes. From there, speech-language pathologists and other medical professionals can help address them.
Making Everyday Life With Dysphagia Easier
After being diagnosed with dysphagia, there are measures you can take to manage its effects. Medical professionals can recommend exercises to strengthen the muscles used for swallowing. They can also recommend changes in posture and other measures to make swallowing easier and safer. Using thickening agents in thin liquids can make them easier to control. Eating soft foods and those with smooth consistencies and avoiding hard, dry, and crunchy foods is also advised.
Though dealing with swallowing difficulties can be discouraging, there are ways to minimize their effects. Seeing a doctor as quickly as possible after suspecting you or a loved one may be suffering from dysphagia is the key to getting help early on. Using thickening agents, changing the textures of foods to make them easier to chew and swallow, and avoiding problematic foods will help as well. Those measures can help ensure dysphagia sufferers get the nutrition they need and are able to enjoy their meals as much as possible while also reducing the potential dangers of living with this condition.