AYURVEDA PERSPECTIVE ON DIFFICULTY SWALLOWING

Causes

• Nerve degeneration & weakening, especially in the elderly
• Anatomical changes - Growths / throat surgery
• Dry throat
• Inflammation / swelling of the throat

Home Remedies

Modify Food and Drink Consistency

• Pureed or Soft Foods: Switch to softer, easier-to-swallow foods, such as pureed vegetables, mashed potatoes, soups, or soft fruits (like bananas and applesauce).
• Thicken Liquids: Thin liquids like water or juice can be harder to swallow, increasing the risk of choking or aspiration. Use thickening agents (available at pharmacies) to make liquids easier to manage. Foods like yogurt or pudding can also be used as thicker alternatives to fluids.
• Moisten Dry Foods: Add broth, sauces, or gravies to dry or solid foods to make them easier to swallow.

Small, Frequent Meals

• Encourage the elderly person to eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. Large meals can be overwhelming and increase the risk of choking.
• Eating slowly and in a relaxed environment can help improve control over swallowing.

Posture Adjustments

• Upright Position: Ensure the person is sitting upright (90 degrees) during meals and remains upright for at least 30 minutes after eating. This can help food move more easily down the esophagus and reduce the risk of aspiration.
• Chin-Tuck Technique: This simple technique, where the chin is tucked down toward the chest while swallowing, helps close the airway and reduce the risk of food or liquid going down the wrong way (into the lungs).

Exercises to Strengthen Swallowing Muscles

• Effortful Swallow: Encourage the elderly person to swallow as hard as they can with each bite or sip.
• Tongue Exercises: Press the tongue against the roof of the mouth or push the tongue out against a spoon to help improve muscle strength.
• Masako Maneuver: This involves swallowing while holding the tongue between the teeth, which strengthens the muscles at the back of the throat.

Avoid Astringent & Dryness

• Dryness makes it more difficult to swallow.
• Stay Hydrated
• Keep Air Moist
• Avoid astringent foods
• Take sips between bites: Encourage sipping water or a thickened beverage between bites of food to help clear food from the throat.

Avoid Dry or Irritating foods

• Avoid dry, sticky, or crumbly foods (like crackers, dry bread, or popcorn) that can get stuck in the throat or be difficult to swallow.
• Spicy or acidic foods may irritate the throat, so it's best to avoid them if they worsen symptoms.

Stay Calm and Relaxed

• Anxiety and stress can exacerbate swallowing difficulties. Ensure a calm, relaxed eating environment, and encourage the elderly person to focus on chewing and swallowing slowly.

When to Seek Medical Help

• Sudden or worsening swallowing difficulties.
• Coughing or choking during meals.
• Signs of aspiration (food or liquid entering the lungs), such as frequent coughing, chest infections, or pneumonia.
• Unexplained weight loss or dehydration.