Swallowing (cont.)
How Are Swallowing Problems Treated?
The form of treatment will depend on the type of swallowing problem a person
has. Sometimes, the problem will resolve itself without treatment. On other
occasions, the condition can be managed easily, such as by using a special tool
called an esophageal dilator to stretch an esophagus narrowed from acid reflux.
However, the problem may be complex, requiring a specialist or the coordination
of several specialists.
If you have a chewing or swallowing problem there are several things you can
do to make eating and drinking easier and safer, including:
Positioning
- Sit upright at a 90-degree angle.
- Tilt your head slightly forward.
- Remain sitting upright or standing for 15 to 20 minutes after eating a meal.
Dining environment
- Minimize distractions in the area where you eat.
- Stay focused on the tasks of eating and drinking.
- Do not talk with food in your mouth.
Amount and rate
- Eat slowly.
- Cut your food into small pieces and chew it thoroughly.
- Do not try to eat more than 1/2 teaspoon of your food at a time.
Swallowing
- You may need to swallow two or three times per bite or sip.
- If food or liquid catches in your throat, cough gently or clear your throat, and swallow again before taking a breath. Repeat if necessary.
- Concentrate on swallowing frequently.
Saliva management
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Periodically suck on Popsicles, ice chips or lemon ice, or drink lemon-flavored water to increase saliva production, which will increase swallowing frequency.
Food consistency
- Minimize or eliminate foods that require chewing and eat more soft foods.
- Puree your food in a blender.
- If thin liquids cause you to cough, thicken them with a liquid thickener (your speech pathologist can recommend one for you). You can also substitute thicker liquids for thin ones, such as nectar for juice and cream soup for plain broth.
Taking medications
- Crush your pills and mix them with applesauce or pudding.
- Ask your pharmacist for his or her recommendations on which pills should not be crushed and which medications can be purchased in a liquid form.
Reviewed by The Cleveland Clinic Department of Gastroenterology .
Edited by Cynthia Haines, MD, WebMD, March 2006.
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004
Last Editorial Review: 5/12/2005
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