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Your tips and advice for managing dysphagia (swallowing issues)
I recently wrote a column sharing the lessons I’ve learned during the past 9 years that I’ve had dysphagia:
- When dining out, I bring my pre-mixed beverage in a small sports bottle.
- I minimize distractions when I’m eating and/or drinking (no TV, reading, videos, etc.).
- When drinking I sit with good posture.
What additional helpful tips would you add?
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15 Replies
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I also find that letting everyone at the table know about my swallowing issues helps prevent embarrassing situations – – like when they ask a question and my mouth is full of food. If I let them know early on, they have more patience to wait for me to swallow and then reply.
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I was told to try warning your brain food present by taking a small portions & same when drinking.
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Good advice Saltys. Also, don’t feel rushed because others are eating and drinking fast.
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Another tip is to always bring an extra straw in a plastic bag – – in case the restaurant only has small skinny straws… or none at all)
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Hubby uses breathing tools to exercise his lungs and swallowing excercise, keep deep breathing.
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Could you share what various breathing tools he uses?
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Do others use these breathing or mucous clearing devices? I always worry about weakening a muscle further, but would love to hear other thoughts.
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There are foods that increase mucus – – like dairy products. I find that avoiding them helps keep my throat clear.
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EMST 150
This is first strength trainer he uses.
Per Swallowing Tech 3 yrs ago
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This is one of them…
google.com
The Breather Respiratory Exerciser | Google Shopping
The Breather is the first drug-free device for those who suffer from shortness of breath, speech and swallow difficulties, and other respiratory issues resulting in respiratory muscle weakness. This respiratory device allows you to adjust the inhale and exhale resistance … Continue reading
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I reluctantly have scheduled the insertion of a feeding tube. A milestone I didn’t want to get to, but my doctors have explained that even though I don’t need it right now, they want to get it inserted while my lung function is good.
A question I have is what happens to the siliva when you can’t swallow. Also, I am getting over a nasty chest cold right now and I am having issues right now getting rid of the Phlemm from my lungs. When I can’t swallow, then what.
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I’ve been using the brand Thick-It for the past 6-7 years. It works for all my liquids. (I wrote about it here):
“When swallowing becomes an ALS issue” https://alsandwellness.blogspot.com/2020/02/when-swallowing-becomes-als-issue.html
Regarding saliva, I think our bodies & throats can handle it… for example, you swallow all te time while sleeping. It’s just our mind that gets panicky. Learn to remind yourself to swallow a lot throughout the day so saliva doesn’t build up in the first place.
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I found a video on YouTube that suggested thickening agent for liquids. I ordered SimplyThick Easy Mix from Amazon and it should be here Thursday. Apparently thicker liquids pass slower and that gives weakened muscles time to react.
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https://www.als.org/blog/nuedexta-trial-demonstrates-promising-results-impacting-bulbar-function-als-patients<div>
</div><div>I recently discovered this. I’ve been taking Nuedexta for 3 weeks and it seems to help with my swallowing and speech. </div>
als.org
Nuedexta Trial Demonstrates Promising Results Impacting Bulbar Function in ALS Patients
In the January 9th issue of Neurotherapeutics, Dr. Richard Smith, Director of the Center for Neurologic Study in La Jolla, Calif. published promising results of a phase II trial testing the effect of Nuedexta on bulbar function. Overall, he and … Continue reading
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In my speech therapy I do some exercises for tongue, creek, jaws, and more, using an Electric stimulation machine. My swallowing has improve a lot.
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