Dysphagia is a condition that often goes unnoticed, but can seriously affect the quality of life of those who face it. Difficulty swallowing, which can involve food, liquids, or even saliva, goes far beyond a simple inconvenience — it brings with it serious risks such as malnutrition or pulmonary aspiration. If you feel that something is not right or if you have already been diagnosed with dysphagia, know that there are several forms of treatment that can improve your situation and make your daily life safer and more comfortable.
Causes of dysphagia
The causes of dysphagia are varied and can be linked to different health conditions. Some of the most common factors include:
Neurological diseases: Such as Parkinson’s, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or even amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These diseases affect the muscles that control swallowing.
Structural changes: Problems in the oesophagus, such as narrowing (stenosis) or tumours, can make it difficult for food to pass through.
Gastroesophageal reflux: Acid reflux can damage the oesophagus and make swallowing difficult.
Ageing: As we age, the muscles responsible for swallowing can lose strength, making the process more challenging.
If you feel that swallowing is becoming increasingly difficult or painful, the best thing to do is to consult a doctor to properly assess your situation.
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis of dysphagia is made by a specialist, who may request some tests to better understand what is causing the difficulty in swallowing. The most common tests include:
Digestive endoscopy: Allows direct viewing of the oesophagus to identify blockages or inflammation.
Videofluoroscopy: Using X-rays, this test analyses how food and liquids are swallowed.
Oesophageal manometry: Examines the pressure and coordination of the muscles that help with swallowing.
Treatment options for dysphagia
Treatment will depend on the causes and severity of the dysphagia, but there are several approaches that can be extremely effective. Let’s talk a little about them:
1. Rehabilitation therapy
One of the most effective forms of treatment is speech and swallowing therapy. The specialist therapist helps to strengthen the swallowing muscles and teaches techniques for swallowing more safely. This therapy can, in many cases, make a real difference and significantly improve your quality of life.
2. Dietary adaptation
If dysphagia is diagnosed, one of the first recommendations will be to adapt your diet to make swallowing easier. And this is where thickening liquids come into play.
Thickening liquids are specially formulated products designed to modify the consistency of drinks and soups, making them easier to swallow and reducing the risk of choking or aspiration. You can use them in any liquid, such as water, tea, milk, or even juices, without losing the flavour.
In addition, foods with a softer texture, such as purées, yoghurts, and creamy soups, are recommended to make eating safer and more enjoyable.
3. Medications and medical procedures
In some cases, medication may be necessary to treat underlying conditions, such as reflux or oesophageal spasms. If needed, there are also medical procedures, such as oesophageal dilation, which help to widen narrowed areas and improve the passage of food.
4. Specialised products to help in daily life
In addition to thickening liquids, there are other useful products that can improve your experience when eating and drinking. For example, adapted cups and utensils, non-slip plates, or even meal-time supports are some of the items that can make the eating process safer and more comfortable.
Why choose the right products for dysphagia?
At Saúde em Sua Casa, we understand how challenging it can be to live with dysphagia. That is why we are dedicated to offering the best practical and effective solutions, so that you can continue to take care of yourself and your nutrition. Our thickening liquids are easy to use and can be adjusted to ensure that every drink or meal is as safe and enjoyable as possible.
If you are looking for guidance or the ideal products for your condition, you can always count on our help. We are here to provide you with the best products and expert advice, to ensure your well-being and comfort.
