Don’t worry about swallowing disorders, eat right to protect

In daily life, dysphagia is a problem that cannot be ignored. It may bring many inconveniences and risks to patients. However, as long as we master the correct diet method, we can protect the health of patients with dysphagia.

1. Understanding swallowing disorders

Dysphagia refers to a clinical manifestation in which food cannot be safely and effectively delivered from the mouth to the stomach due to damage to the structure and/or function of the mandible, lips, tongue, soft palate, throat, esophagus and other organs. Dysphagia can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, brain trauma, head and neck tumors, etc. Dysphagia not only affects the patient's nutritional intake, but may also lead to serious complications such as aspiration, pneumonia, and suffocation.

2. The importance of proper diet

For patients with dysphagia, a proper diet is essential. A reasonable diet can provide adequate nutrition and maintain the patient's physical function, while also reducing the risk of aspiration and the incidence of complications.

1. Ensure nutritional intake

Patients with dysphagia may reduce their food intake due to difficulty in eating, leading to malnutrition. Therefore, choosing nutritious and easy-to-digest foods, such as high-protein, high-vitamin, and high-calorie foods, can meet the nutritional needs of patients.

2. Reduce the risk of aspiration

Aspiration is one of the most common complications for patients with dysphagia, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. Aspiration can be reduced by adjusting the texture, shape and way of eating food. For example, choose food with moderate viscosity, avoid eating food that is too thin or too thick; cut food into small pieces or make it into puree to make it easier for patients to swallow.

3. The right way to eat

1. Food texture selection

According to the degree of dysphagia, choose foods with different textures. Generally speaking, food textures can be divided into the following categories.

(1) Thin liquids: such as water, juice, milk, etc., are suitable for patients with mild dysphagia.

(2) Thick fluids: such as yogurt, rice paste, lotus root powder, etc., have a certain viscosity and are not likely to cause aspiration.

(3) Paste-like foods: such as mashed potatoes, pumpkin puree, fish puree, etc., which are easier for patients to swallow.

(4) Soft food: such as rice, noodles, steamed buns, etc., need to be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.

(5) Solid food: such as fruits and biscuits, are suitable for patients with mild dysphagia, but they should be cut into small pieces.

2. Adjustment of food shape

Cut food into small pieces, strips, or slices that are easier for the patient to chew and swallow. For some foods that are difficult to chew, puree or paste them in a blender or food processor.

4. Dietary care precautions

1. Food Choices

Choose food of appropriate texture according to the severity of the patient's dysphagia. Patients with mild dysphagia can choose soft food, moderate patients can choose paste-like food, and severe patients should choose thick liquid food. Avoid food that is too thin or thick. Make sure the food is rich in nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals. You can choose lean meat, fish, eggs, beans, vegetables, fruits, etc. Nutritional supplements can be taken if necessary. The food temperature should be between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius to avoid irritation to the throat caused by excessive cold or heat.

2. Eating process

Create a quiet and comfortable eating environment, turn off sources of interference such as television and radio, and allow patients to concentrate on eating.

The patient should sit upright or semi-recumbent with the head slightly tilted forward. Patients who cannot sit can raise the head of the bed 30 to 45 degrees and eat in a semi-recumbent position. Eat slowly and chew each mouthful of food thoroughly before swallowing. Each mouthful of food should be moderate in size, generally 5 to 10 ml. Choose a spoon of moderate size with smooth edges. The cup should not be too large. It is best to have a straw or a spout to facilitate the patient to drink water. After each meal, let the patient rinse his mouth with warm water to remove food residues. Patients who cannot rinse their mouths by themselves can wipe their mouths with cotton balls dipped in warm water, and they should also perform oral care regularly.

3. Observation and feedback

Closely observe the patient's reactions during eating, such as whether there is choking, difficulty breathing, changes in complexion, etc. If any abnormalities occur, stop eating immediately and take emergency measures. Observe whether the swallowing movements are coordinated. If there are difficulties, adjust the food texture and eating methods in time. Record the patient's daily food intake, food types, eating times, etc., in order to understand the diet and nutritional status, and adjust the diet plan in time. Regularly feedback the patient's diet to the doctor or rehabilitation therapist, and listen to their advice and guidance. If there are changes in the swallowing disorder, you should seek medical attention and adjust the treatment plan in time.

5. Individualized Diet Adjustment

Each patient with dysphagia is different, so dietary adjustments need to be individualized. Before making dietary adjustments, it is best to consult a doctor or rehabilitation therapist and develop a personalized diet plan based on the patient's specific situation.

Although dysphagia can cause a lot of inconvenience to patients, as long as we master the correct diet and care details, we can protect the health of patients. By choosing the right food texture, shape and eating method, as well as individualized dietary adjustments, we can help patients with dysphagia eat safely and effectively and improve their quality of life.

Author: Huang Xiaoxia, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yulin First People's Hospital