DYSPHAGIA: SWALLOWING DIFFICULTIES: 10 TIPS FOR SAFER EATING

1. Stay Calm During Meals

• Try to keep things peaceful when you eat. Eating slowly in a quiet space without distractions can help you focus on your food and enjoy it more.

2. Sit Up Straight

• Always make sure you’re sitting up tall when you eat. If you’re in bed, ask someone to help raise your head so swallowing is easier and safer.

3. Pay Attention to Your Body’s Signals

• If you start to cough or your voice sounds "wet" when you eat, that could mean you're having trouble swallowing. Take a break and let someone know, so they can help you. You may benefit from an assessment of your swallow. Keep a diary of your difficulties to get an idea of what foods are more tricky.

4. Eat Slowly

• Take your time and eat slowly. Small bites and sips can be easier to swallow and reduce the risk of choking.

5. Take One Bite at a Time

• Focus on one bite or one sip at a time. Don’t rush, and give yourself time to fully swallow before taking the next one. If you need help with feeding, your support person should watch to see when you have swallowed before giving more.

6. Make Sure Your Food and Drinks Are Safe

• You may need to make changes to the consistency of the food and drinks. Everyone is an individual. An assessment can help guide you.

• Taking food that is softer or pureed can make swallowing safer but it can affect quality of life and impact the amount eaten, so it should be guided by a speech and language therapy assessment so the best option is selected to balance all your needs.  

• Thickening fluids can be an option but this should be guided by assessment.  In some instances it can make drinking safer, however there are instances when it may reduce coughing but it is still at risk of going down the wrong way. When it is not enjoyed it can contribute to dehydration and risk for urinary tract infections. Guidance to consider the risks and all available options can optimise enjoyment of drinking and maximise quality of life and hydration.

7. Enjoy Talking with Others

• Mealtimes can still be fun! Chat with the people around you and stay part of the conversation, even if you're eating more slowly.

8. Prioritise oral care

• Ensuring your mouth is fresh can make food taste better. Remember to brush your teeth and gums and clean dentures, if used, at least twice a day. If you find it difficult to clear food from your mouth ensure your mouth is cleaned after every meal. Good oral care reduces your risk of getting chest infections from aspiration as it avoids a build up of bacteria in the mouth which can be carried into the lungs if food or drink is aspirated (goes down the wrong way).

9. Choose Foods You Like

• Even if your food needs to be prepared differently, you can still enjoy the flavours you love! Try to pick foods you like, as long as they’re safe for you to swallow. If you have a favourite food that is too difficult to swallow consider if adaptions can help you still enjoy it e.g. cake in small pieces with cream.

10. Be Patient with Yourself

• It’s okay if mealtimes take longer or feel a bit hard sometimes. Be kind to yourself, and remember that taking it slow is important for your safety and comfort.