Dysphagia

Dysphagia is the term used for difficulty with swallowing liquids and/or solids.  It can occur for a variety of reasons.  Depending on the underlying cause the dysphagia can resolve or requires the client to be on a modified diet for a sustained period of time.  Speech and language therapists are responsible for assessing the swallow.  In some hospitals nurses have extra training to become competent in dysphagia assessments.

Some of the causes for dysphagia are stroke and other neurological disorders such as MS, MND.  Dementia can also cause dysphagia as people are not aware of food being in their mouths.  In children conditions such as cerebral palsy and Down’s Syndrome can cause feeding and swallowing difficulties. 

Speech and language therapists are able to assess the swallow and where possible make recommendations on texture modification of food and thickening of fluids.  If a person’s swallow is weak they are at risk of aspiration pneumonia.  This occurs when the food or fluid enters the lungs instead of the stomach.  It results in pneumonia.  The addition of thickener to a drink slows the fluid down, making it easier to manage.  By modifying the texture of food by, for example, pureeing it, this makes it safer for the person as they are less likely to choke.  The smooth consistency is easier to swallow.  Foods such as toast and pastry are considered high risk due to the small particles that could enter the airway.  Mixed consistencies can also create problems as they can not be effectively managed in the mouth. A speech and language therapist will be able to make recommendations that should be carried out to ensure the person is not at risk of aspirating.  The therapist provides details of how to thicken drinks and how much thickener to put in.  They can also provide recipe ideas for texture modified diets should they be required.

 

 

To try and reduce hospital admittance due to aspiration the team here at private speech and language therapy would like to offer training to staff who work in nursing or residential homes.  Many elderly people in homes experience swallowing difficulties so dysphagia training for staff may be of benefit.  We currently have a half day workshop prepared aimed at nurses, health care assistants and anyone else who may be involved in feeding the home’s residents. 

If you would like further details about this please contact us at sltconsultancy@gmail.com