Some people have eating, drinking, and swallowing (EDS) difficulties. This may be referred to as dysphagia.  

Most people take eating and drinking for granted but swallowing is a very complicated process. There are many muscles and nerves which are involved in swallowing.  

Normally when you swallow you: 

  • Hold and chew liquid/food in your mouth without dribbling
  • Hold and chew liquid/food in your mouth without breathing it in to your lungs
  • Move the liquid/food to the back of your mouth using the tongue until the liquid or food triggers the swallow reflex.

The liquid/food should then travel downwards safely into the stomach.

If swallowing is affected in some way, there may be a risk of liquid/food going into the lungs (aspiration) which may cause a chest infection or choking.  The Speech and Language Therapist may suggest certain types of food and drink which are easier to swallow, e.g., thickened fluids, soft smooth foods.

What are the signs of EDS difficulties?

  • Gurgly voice after eating/drinking
  • Coughing/choking on liquids or foods
  • Recurrent chest infections
  • Throat clearing during or after eating and drinking
  • Becoming short of breath during or after eating and drinking
  • Difficulty managing saliva.
  • Difficulty clearing your mouth of food
  • Unexplained weight loss Re-gurgitating undigested food
  • Discomfort/pain when swallowing
  • Slow and effortful eating. 

General advice when eating and drinking:

  • Make sure you are sitting as upright as possible to eat and drink.
  • Take special care with drinks
  • When drinking, take one sip at a time rather than continuous gulps
  • When eating, take small mouthfuls and take time to clear the mouth before taking another
  • Aim for a relaxed and unhurried approach, avoiding distractions
  • Allow time for extra swallows, as needed, to be sure you have cleared your throat before taking more food or drin
  • Try to choose softer, moister foods (e.g., mashed foods, using sauces and gravies)
  • The use of plate warmers may help keep food appetising for longer
  • Check your mouth is clear after the meal
  • You may find you need to clean your teeth/dentures or freshen your mouth more often. 

If you notice any of these problems, please contact your GP and/or Speech and Language Therapist at the earliest opportunity for further advice. 

 

First Community provides front-line NHS community healthcare services in east Surrey and parts of West Sussex.

We provide first-rate care, through our first-rate people, offering first-rate value. For more information visit: www.firstcommunityhealthcare.co.uk

If you would like this information in another format, for example large print or easy read, or if you need help communicating with us:

First Community (Head Office)

Call: 01737 775450 Email: fchc.enquiries@nhs.net Text: 07814 639034

Address: First Community Health and Care,  Consort House, 5-7 Queensway, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1YB

For office use only: PFD_LTC032 Swallowing Advice: Dysphagia v2 Review Date May 2029