Patients with dysphagia struggle to swallow. They may encounter other difficulties when they have this condition, including physical and psychological issues. Physical problems range from a hoarse voice to coughing when swallowing. If they don’t take in enough food and liquids, they may become dehydrated or malnourished. Respiratory infections are common in individuals with this condition, and some people pass away after their diagnosis.
Challenges Seen With Dysphagia
Dysphagia makes it challenging to eat, so that a person might lose interest in food. They may be embarrassed to eat with others because they worry about choking, or they are always the last one to finish. They don’t like making other people wait for them. The act of eating may also tire them out. At times, it is hard for them to communicate, and they could become discouraged or depressed.
Individuals with this condition often find it difficult to sleep. They could become angry or agitated and develop anxiety. Their daily life and relationships often suffer. Fortunately, products like SimplyThick and lifestyle changes can help overcome many of these challenges.
Compensatory Strategies
When a person is first diagnosed with dysphagia and the problem isn’t severe, their medical team might recommend that they alter their posture while eating, modify the texture of their food and drinks, and make sensory enhancements. Each person will receive a treatment plan that addresses their unique needs.
Postural modifications have been shown to reduce or eliminate the risk of aspiration. Sensory enhancement helps the person know when they need to swallow, and dietary changes can make it easier for the food or drink to move down the throat. The medical team will make recommendations on the proper viscosity of the person’s food and drinks and how they should be presented to make them easier to swallow. Taste and temperature modifications might also be included in the treatment plan.
Psychological Considerations
People often focus on the physical aspects of dysphagia while ignoring the psychological ones. This condition can lead to emotional stress and a decline in social interactions. The person might struggle with physical discomfort, leading to a decrease in their preferred activities. When doctors and other medical professionals work with patients, they need to consider the physiological and psychological effects to ensure the individual gets the proper care they need. Comprehensive quality of life assessments help determine which areas of a person’s life are most impacted by the diagnosis.
When a person reduces their oral intake of foods and beverages, the impact is felt across multiple parts of their life. Using other feeding methods won’t compensate fully for the decreased ability to eat and drink normally. Their communication, mental health, and sleep are affected, which leads to a decrease in quality of life. To overcome these challenges, the medical team must find ways to help the patient increase their oral intake.
One way to increase oral intake is with the help of speech and swallowing therapy. Furthermore, a clinical nutritionist can provide information on the best diet for the individual to follow to improve and maintain their nutritional status. Being able to follow a healthy diet and enjoy meals again will enhance the individual’s quality of life. However, the psychological aspects of this disease cannot be ignored. Even when a person can eat and drink safely again, they may be unwilling to do so for psychological reasons. Any treatment plan must be holistic to address all aspects of the disorder, enabling the individual to achieve the highest quality of life.
