Easy and Effective Dysphagia Home Treatment Methods for Better Swallowing
Have you noticed your loved on having difficulty swallowing? They may display symptoms such as choking, coughing, making gurgling sounds or showing they are uncomfortable when they are eating or drinking. Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that can cause difficulty in eating and drinking. Dysphagia home treatment is an effective way to manage swallowing difficulties in seniors. It can provide relief from the symptoms of dysphagia and improve the quality of life for those affected by this condition.
This article will explore the benefits of dysphagia home treatment, strategies for managing it at home, and resources available to help you better understand your options.
With proper knowledge and support, seniors can benefit greatly from these treatments that are designed specifically with their needs in mind. Learn more about how dysphagia home treatment can make a difference.
Table of Contents:
- Causes of Dysphagia
- Strategies for Managing Dysphagia at Home
- Resources for Further Information on Dysphagia Home Treatment
- FAQs About Home Treatment
- Conclusion
Causes of Dysphagia
Problems swallowing are frequently encountered by elderly individuals by to 3 main causes:
Age
Dysphagia generally affects 10-33% of seniors.
Illness
The risk of dysphagia increases alongside illnesses such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, neurological diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), head and neck cancer, obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Medication
Certain medications can create swallowing problems due to decreasing muscle function which impacts chewing and the movement of food through your digestive system. Treatments such as chemotherapy, long-term antibiotic treatments, and immunosuppression therapies can also cause infections in the esophagus and result in issues with swallowing.
Strategies for Managing Dysphagia at Home
can be caused by various health conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, neurological diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), head and neck cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other conditions. Fortunately, there are various techniques that can assist in dealing with difficulty swallowing at home.
Here are some strategies for managing dysphagia at home:
1. Diet Modifications:
Making dietary modifications can help reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia which is often associated with dysphagia. Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day rather than large meals may also make it easier to swallow food safely. Avoiding certain trigger foods e.g. foods that are hard or sticky, and eating more soft foods that require less chewing will also help to relieve symptoms.
Take a look at our in-depth guide on soft foods easy to swallow for strategies and inspiration on delicious soft food diet meals and preparation.
2. Swallowing Exercises:
Doing exercises designed specifically to improve swallowing function can help strengthen muscles used in the act of swallowing while improving coordination between them. These exercises typically involve tongue depressors, dry swallows, and other maneuvers that focus on strengthening the oral cavity muscles responsible for controlling saliva flow during eating and drinking activities.
Speech therapists may recommend specific exercises depending on an individual’s needs but there are plenty of resources available online with instructions on how to perform these exercises correctly at home without assistance from a professional therapist if needed.
3. Lifestyle Changes:
Making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or reducing alcohol consumption can have positive effects on an individual’s ability to swallow properly over time due to their effect on throat-clearing habits which directly affect swallowing physiology.
Avoiding excessive talking during meal times has been shown in studies to reduce fatigue in those experiencing severe dysphagia symptoms.
Using pillows strategically when lying down flat helps maintain an open upper esophageal sphincter which facilitates the safe passage of food into the stomach after ingestion.
For individuals who experience post-stroke dysphagia, prescription oral medications like botulinum toxin injections have been proven effective in treating certain types of oropharyngeal dysphagia while providing relief from associated pain and discomfort. Furthermore, antacids can be beneficial in alleviating GERD-related dysphagia symptoms prior to eating.
Additionally, physical therapy for post-stroke dysphagia is a must, as timely intervention can help reduce the long-term consequences associated with this type of swallowing disorder. The aim of these exercises is to bolster throat muscles used in eating and drinking.
By implementing the strategies for managing dysphagia at home, seniors can take control of their condition and improve their quality of life. Realizing the necessity of being informed when selecting home dysphagia management options is critical to making sound decisions regarding one’s health.
Resources for Further Information on Dysphagia Home Treatment
For those seeking more information on dysphagia home treatment, there are various resources are available. Support groups can provide invaluable advice and guidance to help individuals manage their condition. Online forums, such as Dysphagia Connections, offer support from other people living with dysphagia and may even include medical professionals who specialize in the disorder.
Additionally, websites like the Napa Center provide helpful information about managing dysphagia at home, including strategies and exercises for improving swallowing function. Check out their article on Easy Swallowing Exercises for Dysphagia.
Speech therapists can also be an important resource when it comes to treating dysphagia at home. Speech therapists have extensive knowledge of swallowing physiology and can create individualized treatment plans that target specific areas of difficulty or dysfunction within the oral cavity or throat-clearing mechanisms.
They may also suggest exercises or activities designed to strengthen muscles used for eating and drinking safely without aspirating food particles into the lungs – known as “dry swallowing” – using tongue depressors or other tools to ensure proper placement during each swallow maneuver.
FAQs About Home Treatment
Can dysphagia be treated at home?
Yes, dysphagia can be treated at home. Before beginning any treatment for dysphagia, it is essential to consult with a doctor or speech-language pathologist to identify the best approach. Depending on the severity and underlying cause of dysphagia, treatments may include dietary modifications such as:
- Thickening liquids or softening foods
- Exercises that target swallowing muscles
- Positional changes while eating
- Practicing specific swallowing maneuvers
- Using compensatory strategies like taking smaller bites or sips
With proper guidance from a medical professional, individuals can safely manage their dysphagia at home.
How do you treat dysphagia naturally?
Swallowing difficulties can be treated naturally by making lifestyle changes such as eating smaller meals and avoiding certain foods that are difficult to swallow. Additionally, practicing good posture while eating can help improve the ability to swallow food properly.
Regular exercise may also help strengthen the muscles used for swallowing and speaking. Consuming adequate liquids throughout the day is essential to maintain saliva production, which assists with digestion.
What can I do to relieve dysphagia?
To create a successful treatment plan for dysphagia, it is essential to consult with your doctor or speech-language pathologist.
1. Speech-language therapy:
A speech-language pathologist can assess the individual’s swallowing difficulty and create a personalized treatment plan to help them improve their ability to swallow safely and effectively. The therapist may use exercises, positioning techniques, dietary modifications, or other strategies to address any underlying issues that are causing the difficulty with swallowing.
2. Medication management:
Depending on the cause of the individual’s swallowing difficulty, a doctor may prescribe certain medications to reduce muscle tension or stimulate saliva production, making it easier for someone with dysphagia to swallow more easily and comfortably.
What would happen if I left dysphasia untreated?
Dysphasia symptoms are often mild to begin with. Due to this they often go undiagnosed until a larger medical issue arises, and swallowing difficulties become worse and more noticeable. Untreated dysphasia can cause a range of issues such as:
Malnutrition – Trouble swallowing means that seniors will forgo meals due to discomfort. Therefore they will not get the nutrients that their body needs to function properly.
Aspiration – When food and liquid secretions leak into the lungs, leading to a higher risk of life-threatening pneumonia.
Pneumonia – Aspiration pneumonia is a high-risk illness in senior citizens. It is a leading cause of hospitalization and death in residents of nursing homes.
Finally, it can lead to issues with taking required medications to treat other illnesses due to the inability to swallow pills.
Conclusion
With the right strategies and resources, seniors can benefit from dysphagia home treatment by gaining greater control over their symptoms. By understanding how dysphagia works and what treatments are available, seniors can take steps towards better managing their condition at home with confidence.
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Vera James currently cares for her 90-year-old mother-in-law.
She is also a senior herself and loves sharing stories and resources to help other seniors, particularly who are in the position of caring for an elderly parent, like herself.
