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Swallowing disorders can occur in all age groups, resulting from congenital abnormalities, structural damage, and/or medical conditions. [11] Swallowing problems are a common complaint among older individuals, and the incidence of dysphagia is higher in the elderly, [34] [35] and in patients who have had strokes. [36]
A puréed diet is commonly used for people who have difficulty swallowing and provides a uniformly smooth consistency. [2]Soft diets, particularly purée foods, can contribute to the high prevalence of malnutrition in those with dysphagia, especially in long-term care residents. [3]
These programs often feature demonstrations on adapting recipes for nutritional needs and modifying meals to manage changes in appetite and swallowing difficulties often experienced by older adults.
You may need a fluoroscopic swallowing study, which involves eating or drinking while being filmed under x-ray to see how food moves in the mouth and throat, Dr. Nocerino says.
Some signs and symptoms of swallowing difficulties include difficulty controlling food in the mouth, inability to control food or saliva in the mouth, difficulty initiating a swallow, coughing, choking, frequent pneumonia, unexplained weight loss, gurgly or wet voice after swallowing, nasal regurgitation, and dysphagia (patient complaint of swallowing difficulty). [6]
Esophageal cancer usually affects the elderly. Esophageal cancers can be either squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma . Adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent in the US and is associated with patients with chronic GERD who have developed Barrett's esophagus (intestinal metaplasia of esophageal mucosa).
Individuals with difficulty swallowing may find that liquids cause coughing, spluttering, or even aspiration, and that thickening drinks enables them to swallow safely. Patients may be advised to consume thickened liquids after being extubated. Liquid thickness may be measured by two methods, with a viscometer or by line spread test.
2. Understand your parent’s concerns and behaviors. Aging is a difficult process for virtually everyone. Many older adults are living with dementia or mental health issues, including anxiety and ...