Older individuals often struggle with swallowing disorders. Several things increase the risk of developing this disorder, including dementia and head or neck cancers. A dysphagia diagnosis only comes after diagnostic testing, such as a swallow study. Upon diagnosis, a person must work with their doctor to develop a treatment plan. Many people use social media to learn more about this disease and find support.
Diet
Individuals diagnosed with dysphagia typically modify their diet. They work with a speech-language pathologist to develop a treatment plan, including exercises, medications, and dietary modifications. Foods and liquids must be thickened so they can be swallowed without increasing the risk of aspiration. SimplyThick on X offers outstanding advice for newly diagnosed individuals and those suffering from this condition for an extended time.
Thickeners
Medical professionals often recommend thickeners for patients with dysphagia. The patient mixes the thickener into the food and drinks to change the consistency or texture. Starch and gum are used in these products, and each type has benefits and drawbacks. Starch-based thickeners are easy to mix into food and drinks but change consistency when placed in the refrigerator. Gum-based thickeners don’t change consistency regardless of temperature. Men and women must understand this and always test the consistency of their food and drinks to ensure there won’t be any swallowing issues when they are consumed.
Food Consistency
The fork drip test is commonly used to test the consistency of food and drinks. The goal is to see if the food or drink sits on the fork or flows through the tines. In addition, a fork helps test the consistency or texture of food. The patient presses the tines of the fork into the food to see what happens. The gravity flow test is another method that may be used to test consistency. Other testing methods include the chopstick and finger tests.
What is Transitional Food?
Many people struggle with transitional foods. They test the consistency of a food before consuming it, but the consistency changes when consumed. For example, ice cream melts when a person eats it, changing its consistency. The same holds for many types of crackers. What should a person do when they encounter one of these foods? How can they eat them safely? The patient needs to speak to their medical team to learn how to eat transitional foods safely and where they fit in the diet.
Prepared Foods
People often purchase prepared foods so they don’t have to thicken food and drinks when busy with other things. Prepared foods ensure they get the nutrients they need without going through the thickening process. Men and women must try different prepared foods to find those they love, as a healthy diet is essential for those with swallowing disorders.
Exercises
Diet is only part of a dysphagia’s treatment plan. The medical team may also recommend exercises to help patients swallow without difficulty. A speech-language pathologist works with the patient to find exercises that address their specific challenges. The National Foundation on Swallowing Disorders is an excellent resource for men and women when doing these exercises.
People of any age may be diagnosed with dysphagia, but seniors are most at risk of developing this condition. Fortunately, it can be treated by modifying the diet and completing exercises. Talk with the medical team about available resources, such as social media, that help men and women with this condition get the support they need for the highest quality of life.
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