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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