Tips for Living with Dysphagia
- eat and drink slowly
- small sips and bites usually allow for better
control of liquids and food
- minimize distractions while eating (ie. turn
the TV off)
- eat while sitting upright; don’t eat
while reclined unless advised to do so
- avoid talking while chewing and swallowing
- eat small, frequent meals rather than three
large meals daily
- stay upright at least one to two hours after
a meal; avoid lying down
- thoroughly swallow all food and liquids in
the mouth and throat before taking another bite
- if there is weakness on one side of the face
or tongue, place food on the stronger side
- clear throat and re-swallow if voice sounds
gurgly or wet
- if drooling is a problem, avoid excessive
sweets; sweets stimulate saliva production
- avoid the use of straws, which generally require
greater strength and control than drinking directly
from a glass or cup
- stop eating and drinking when overly tired
or short of breath
- if receiving alternative nutrition, such as
tube feeding, eat or drink by mouth before taking
tube feeding to increase chances of being hungry
at mealtime
- if taking medications for painful swallowing,
take medication in enough time to get benefit
from the medication (in controlling the pain)
before eating
- check mouth for residual food before laying
down
- if treated for reflux, follow reflux precautions
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