Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia)

What is Dysphagia?

People with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing. Some people may have trouble safely swallowing liquids, foods, or saliva and some may be completely unable to swallow at all.

Dysphagia can be serious. Someone who cannot swallow safely may not be able to eat or drink enough to stay healthy or maintain an ideal weight. Food or liquid can also enter the airway and may enter the lungs; this can cause harmful bacteria to grow, resulting in chest infections and even pneumonia.

Some people with dysphagia may find it helpful to thicken their drinks or have modified food, but the same approach doesn’t benefit everyone. Your Speech & Language Therapist will assess your individual needs before recommending that you make changes to your food & drink.

Also in this section

Why has your swallowing ability changed after having COVID-19

You may experience difficulty swallowing after coronavirus for a number of reasons such as:

Increased coughing or shortness of breath which can affect the timing of your swallow, letting food and liquids go down the wrong way (aspiration) into your airway which can lead to even more coughing
Long-term intubation (more than 3 days) can cause weakness in the tongue/throat and damage the vocal cords, all resulting in a weak swallow.
General physical and muscular weakness

These changes are likely to improve as you recover from coronavirus but in some cases you may need extra help.

Red flags to watch out for

Coughing and a feeling of choking when you are swallowing food or drink
Feeling short of breath during or after mealtimes or drinks
Food or drink ‘going down the wrong way’
Feeling more ‘chesty’ or unwell
Feeling there is a lump stuck in your throat
Eating slower than usual or trouble starting a swallow
A wet or gurgly voice after eating or drinking
Food left in the mouth after a meal

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and/or feel that your ability to swallow is getting worse then please contact your GP.

General points to remember

Try to avoid eating and drinking when you are tired
Sit comfortably but upright, try not to tilt your head backwards
Make sure your mouth is clean and moist before starting to eat
Mealtimes may take longer – allow yourself enough time and don’t rush
Small amounts of food may be best, i.e. eat little and often– as swallowing may become slower and more of an effort by the end of a meal
It may be necessary to swallow at least twice for every mouthful to make sure everything has gone down
Try to remain sitting upright for at least half an hour after eating/drinking to allow food/drink to settle in your stomach
Clean your teeth/dentures and tongue at least twice a day to keep your mouth healthy and reducing any bacteria building up

How others can help

Ensure the person with swallowing difficulties is alert and sat upright and comfortable
Reduce distractions when eating and drinking
Make sure their mouth is clean and moist before eating and drinking
Support the person to eat and drink at an appropriate rate, not over filling their mouth
If the person is not able to feed them self, feed at a slow pace with your full attention on the person
Use appropriate cutlery or adaptations if these have been recommended by a professional
Follow recommendations from professionals – for example, giving foods and drinks which are the consistency or texture advised