Do you have difficulty swallowing? Have often experienced drinks ‘go the wrong way’ or nearly choked on food? Speech Pathologists are trained to assess and treat ‘oro-pharyngeal’ dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) where there is difficulty with the control of ‘oral’ (mouth) or ‘pharyngeal’ (throat) muscles. As we age, or if we suffer a stroke or have a neurological condition or other disability we may experience this ‘dyphagia’.
Did you know that the most difficult thing to swallow can be room temperature water? If some of the 55 pairs of muscles involved in swallowing are not working with split second timing to co-ordinate a well timed effective swallow, then water and other thin liquids can easily ‘go the wrong way’. This means instead of going down the ‘food pipe’ or oesphagus they flow into the larynx at the top of airway . This triggers a throat clear or cough reflex in most people. Apart from being irritating, this can put us at risk of aspiration (when the material goes past the level of the vocal cords in to the lungs). We can then be at risk of developing aspiration pneumonia
Speech Pathology treatment includes modifications to posture and head positioning and a range of other techniques and exercises to strengthen or make your swallow more effective. We also focus on strategies to deal with a less than optimal swallowing mechanism so you can be protected from aspiration or choking and enjoy your meals.
Everyone wants to enjoy their meals and if you have ‘oro-pharyngeal’ dysphagia and keep coughing or feel food getting stuck in the throat this is difficult. Weight-loss may also occur due to dysphagia.
Speech Pathologists use the International Dysphagia Diet Standards Initiative (IDDSI) to guide you in modifying the texture of your food when necessary. This may include avoiding dry hard flakey foods and having somewhat softer or moister foods that are easier to chew thoroughly. Most people don’t need ‘pureed food’ however it can be a huge relief to modify or avoid certain food textures that commonly cause difficulty and ‘get stuck’ or go the wrong way.
Recommended ‘safe swallowing strategies’ may include taking smaller mouthfuls, concentrating on chewing more thoroughly or having a ‘double swallow’ which may help to clear any residue in the throat.
Carmel provides support for NDIS and My Aged Care clients in assessing and treating swallowing difficulties and developing Meal Time Management Plans so swallow safety and enjoyment of food cna be optimised. With nearly 40 years experience helping people ‘dysphagia’, Carmel has developed expertise in training clients, families, support workers and other caregivers in dealing with dysphagia.