About Swallowing Difficulties

Barbara Braithwaite, Safe Swallowing Team • May 27, 2022

Swallowing Difficulties affect up to 1 in 25 adults

Like breathing, swallowing is a reflex and essential to everyday life. Humans swallow at least 900 times a day: around three times an hour during sleep, once per minute while awake and even more often during meals. We swallow food, liquids, medicine and saliva. People who have trouble swallowing are at risk of poor nutrition and dehydration.

With each swallow we hold our breath for around one second, to make sure the food or drink travels down the correct tube to the stomach rather than the lungs. Swallowing uses 26 muscles and many nerves to coordinate the split-second timing needed to safely swallow. Mistimed movements can lead to food or drink ‘going down the wrong way’’.

As we age or if we have disability, this reflex can deteriorate due to a number of conditions such as illness, damage to the brain or structures of the head and neck. Almost half of everyone who has had a stroke will have a swallowing problem. People who have had a head injury, those with Parkinson’s disease, motor neuron disease, dementia, cancer of the head and neck may also have swallowing problems.

IMPACT

The impact of having a swallowing problem is far reaching, not only for the person themselves but for their family and friends. Eating and drinking is an important part of everyday life. Not only do we need to eat and drink to live, but eating and drinking should be an enjoyable pastime with many social activities happening around eating and drinking.

Swallowing problems can result in life threatening medical problems such as pneumonia, choking, poor nutrition and dehydration if not managed properly. Eating and drinking can be uncomfortable, stressful and frustrating for a person with a swallowing problem.

Dysphagia Care Plan

If the person suffering from a swallowing problem has been advised that they can’t have some types of food and drink, this can make eating and drinking in front of friends and family difficult and embarrassing. These problems can lead to anxiety, depression and social isolation.

Carers Course Online

The good news is that people who seek professional help can work on ways of eating and drinking that can reduce or remove these problems.

IDDSI

The wonderful work of the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) outlines the various levels of food and liquid modifications recommended for those with swallowing problems so they can swallow safely. This online course explains the dietary guidelines and how to identify a possible swallowing difficulty.

Enjoying Every Sip and Mouthful

By Barbara Braithwaite • December 12, 2023

As the festive season approaches, regardless of our background and culture, many of us take the opportunity to catch up with family and friends.

No ‘one size fits all’: is technology enough to address loneliness?

By Barbara Braithwaite • November 30, 2023

There are limitless benefits to the rapidly increasing use of technology across all ages. Research into high usage suggests social isolation can be an unwanted ‘side effect’.

Reducing Risk in Aged Care

By Barbara Braithwaite • November 23, 2023

I read an interesting article a short while ago by Nick Burnett MD Team Teach Australia & New Zealand about minimising restrictive practices and reducing risk for all in aged care, but of course this can be implemented more widely.