Swallowing Awareness Day: Recognising Dysphagia and Supporting Those in Need

On Swallowing Awareness Day (13 March), we come together to shine a light on a condition that impacts millions of lives around the world: dysphagia. 

Swallowing Awareness Day serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals with swallowing difficulties and the importance of raising awareness, understanding, and support for those affected. 

Dysphagia is a medical term that refers to difficulty swallowing. It can occur at any stage of the swallowing process – from the mouth to the oesophagus – and may result from various underlying causes, including neurological disorders, stroke, head and neck cancer, aging-related changes, and more. 

Common symptoms of dysphagia include coughing or choking during meals, the sensation of food getting stuck in the throat, difficulty initiating swallowing, regurgitation, and unintentional weight loss. 

Dysphagia is more than just a difficulty swallowing; it can affect one's ability to enjoy meals, communicate effectively, and maintain overall health and well-being. 

However, with early detection, proper management, and access to resources and support, individuals with dysphagia can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. 

Tips for Recognising Dysphagia 

Recognising dysphagia early is crucial for prompt diagnosis and intervention. Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for: 

Changes in Eating Habits: Pay attention to any changes in a person's eating habits, such as eating more slowly, avoiding certain foods or textures, or skipping meals altogether. 

Coughing or Choking: If an individual frequently coughs or chokes while eating or drinking, it could be a sign of swallowing difficulties. 

Voice Changes: Hoarseness or changes in voice quality after swallowing may indicate aspiration, where food or liquid enters the airway instead of the oesophagus.

Recurrent Respiratory Infections: Individuals with dysphagia are at increased risk of developing respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, due to aspiration of food or liquid into the lungs. 

Caring for Individuals with Swallowing Difficulties 

Caring for someone with dysphagia requires patience, empathy, and understanding.  

Here are some practical tips for supporting individuals with swallowing difficulties: 

Modify Food and Liquid Consistency: Depending on the severity of dysphagia, modifying the texture of food and liquids may be necessary to ensure safe swallowing. This could involve pureeing, chopping, or thickening foods to make them easier to swallow. 

Encourage Proper Posture: Encourage individuals with dysphagia to sit upright while eating and drinking to facilitate the swallowing process and reduce the risk of aspiration. 

Provide Adequate Oral Care: Good oral hygiene is essential for preventing complications such as oral thrush or dental decay. Encourage regular dental check-ups and assist with oral care as needed. 

Seek Professional Help: If you suspect that someone has dysphagia, encourage them to seek medical evaluation and consultation with a speech therapist. These professionals can assess swallowing function, provide personalised recommendations, and develop a tailored treatment plan. 

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of individuals living with dysphagia and help create a more inclusive and supportive community for all.

Let's raise our voices and stand in solidarity with those affected by dysphagia. #DysphagiaAwarenessDay 🥄💙