Not lengthy after Debbie McClure was recognized with Sjogren’s syndrome, an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth, she sat right down to a roast beef dinner. She was nonetheless adjusting to her situation. So she didn’t totally notice how not having sufficient saliva, which helps transfer meals from the mouth and down the throat, would make it exhausting to swallow, particularly with dry meals — like her overcooked roast beef.
“I tried to swallow a chunk, but it surely lodged in my throat,” says McClure, a author based mostly in Ontario, Canada. She grabbed a glass of water and, sip by sip, she was capable of dislodge the piece of meat.
When a medical situation creates issues with chewing or swallowing, the easy act of consuming can change into something however. Ache within the mouth, stiffness or discomfort within the jaw muscle tissue, or issues together with your enamel could make it robust to chew strong meals. A situation known as dysphagia can create a delay within the swallowing course of in both your throat or what’s referred to as the pharynx (the digestive tube between the esophagus and mouth) that may additionally make it exhausting so that you can swallow with out coughing or choking.
“When you’re having hassle swallowing, even when it’s capsules, you need to let your doctor know,” says Brian Hedman, a speech pathologist and specialist in swallowing issues at Cleveland Clinic. “A speech pathologist can do an evaluation and provide methods or methods that will help you or somebody you’re caring for to swallow safely.”
Strive these six tricks to guarantee that what you eat will get the place it’s going with out issues alongside the way in which.
They’re tastes, temperature, and textures. If you range these in your food regimen, it helps hold the mouth awake and on job, Hedman says.
Swap off between bites of one thing chilly and tart, like lemon ice, with one thing heat and bland, like mashed potatoes.
Throughout meals, and for 45 to 60 minutes after consuming, goal for a 90-degree posture together with your head tilted barely ahead, Hedman suggests.
“When you’re having issue getting meals from the entrance of the mouth to the again of the mouth, strive a reclined place,” he says. “In any other case, sitting upright is the very best place for consuming and ingesting.”
It’s necessary to remain targeted throughout mealtime, particularly for somebody who’s had a stroke or is within the early levels of dementia, says Kristi King, RDN, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Vitamin and Dietetics.
“An individual with Alzheimer’s might pay extra consideration to an open window or the TV within the room than what’s of their mouth,” she says.
Earlier than meals, swab the within of your mouth with a disposable oral swab or, higher but, brush your enamel “to assist moisturize the mouth so swallowing can be simpler,” Hedman says.
And hold a drink helpful throughout meals. McClure sips water or one thing else that isn’t bubbly between each single chunk to assist transfer meals alongside. If water or different skinny liquids trigger you to cough, use an over-the-counter liquid thickener, Hedman suggests. These thicken with out altering the style or look of your drink.
“I additionally keep away from drugs like over-the-counter chilly and allergy tablets, or sleeping aids that comprise antihistamines,” McClure says. “Antihistamines are [drying], and most positively will have an effect on the quantity of dryness in my mouth, eyes, and nostril.”
Reduce up strong meals into bite-size items to reduce the danger of choking.
“I’ve realized that even finger meals have to be minimize up into very small parts,” McClure says. “Once I bask in one thing like potato chips or popcorn, I be sure that I eat one by one, slowly, and in very small bites.”
You would possibly have to swallow two or 3 times per chunk or sip. If meals or liquid catches in your throat, cough gently or clear your throat, and swallow once more earlier than taking a breath.
Strive “alternating bites and sips,” Hedman says. “When you have issue sucking liquid all the way in which up a straw, minimize the straw down so there’s much less distance for the liquid to journey.”
