Unit 2 - Care and nutrition (e-book)
Lesson 2.2. Management of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Physiotherapy a Speech-language therapy
2.2.1. Safe swallowing techniques
Food, fluids, and saliva must be transported from the mouth through the throat and into the stomach in a timely and coordinated manner.
When someone has a swallowing problem (dysphagia), it runs the risk of food, water, and saliva getting into the lungs (aspiration). It's possible that the person is completely unaware of what's going on (silent aspiration).
Aspiration can lead to pneumonia, which is hazardous. Choking is also a possibility for people suffering from dysphagia.
There are some ways for keeping patient safe while eating and drinking:
Take a sip of your beverage, then look down at your lap before swallowing.
Take a sip of your drink after each bite of a meal.
Hold each mouthful and sip for 3 seconds in your mouth before swallowing. Turn your head and swallow after each mouthful and sip.
Take a small drink and swallow, pause, and cough while holding your breath. When you eat or drink something, sit bolt upright.
After eating, sit upright for at least 30 minutes.
Clear your throat hard after each swallow and swallow again. Clear any remnants in your mouth with your tongue.
When drinking from a cup, use a straw to avoid tipping your head back.
Crush your medications and put them in anything like apple sauce, yogurt, or pudding as a carrier.
When you have food in your mouth, try not to speak.