June is National
Dysphagia Awareness Month!
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WHAT
What is dysphagia? Dysphagia means problems with swallowing. It translates to dys- (disordered) and -phagia (swallowing). Problems can range from severe instances of a complete inability to swallow to mild discomfort when swallowing. Some people complain of coughing on liquids. Others say food gets stuck in their throat. Reports can vary widely and depend on the cause of the problem.
http://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/about/swallowing-disorder-basics/
WHO
Who suffers from dysphagia? Often, dysphagia is a result of a bigger problem. It occurs frequently in people who have had a stroke, in people with head/neck cancer and injury, and in people who have neurological diseases like Parkinson's Disease or Cerebral Palsy. It is also common in people who undergo surgery and even those who have reflux.
WHY
Why is it important to raise awareness? To support those with swallowing problems, know about symptoms and treatment, and support research. Dysphagia can be life-threatening. It leads to very serious complications like pneumonia, malnutrition, weight loss, depression, and a decreased quality of life. Raising awareness will help:
HOW
How are people affected by dysphagia? A person with dysphagia has to alter their diet. This can happen in many different ways. Thin liquids (like water) and tough solids (like chicken or meat) pose a problem for people who have difficulty swallowing. Many times they thicken their liquids into the consistency of applesauce. Another way one can facilitate swallowing is through a puree diet, which means that they liquify all forms of nutrients.
Common complaints from people with dysphagia:
"Food gets stuck in my throat."
"I cough whenever I drink."
"It goes down the wrong pipe!"
"It feels like there is a blockage in my throat like nothing can go down."
"I feel a lump in my throat""
"I am loosing weight because I have to avoid things like meat and breads."
"I have to thicken liquids."
"I have to take all of my food through a tube."
"I don't go out to restaurants because I have embarrassing coughing fits."
Dysphagia Awareness Month!
____________________________________
WHAT
What is dysphagia? Dysphagia means problems with swallowing. It translates to dys- (disordered) and -phagia (swallowing). Problems can range from severe instances of a complete inability to swallow to mild discomfort when swallowing. Some people complain of coughing on liquids. Others say food gets stuck in their throat. Reports can vary widely and depend on the cause of the problem.
http://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/about/swallowing-disorder-basics/
WHO
Who suffers from dysphagia? Often, dysphagia is a result of a bigger problem. It occurs frequently in people who have had a stroke, in people with head/neck cancer and injury, and in people who have neurological diseases like Parkinson's Disease or Cerebral Palsy. It is also common in people who undergo surgery and even those who have reflux.
WHY
Why is it important to raise awareness? To support those with swallowing problems, know about symptoms and treatment, and support research. Dysphagia can be life-threatening. It leads to very serious complications like pneumonia, malnutrition, weight loss, depression, and a decreased quality of life. Raising awareness will help:
- Those with dysphagia seek treatment
- The community become educated about the disorder
- Raise funding for research
Pledge to join our 1-day challenge!
HOW
How are people affected by dysphagia? A person with dysphagia has to alter their diet. This can happen in many different ways. Thin liquids (like water) and tough solids (like chicken or meat) pose a problem for people who have difficulty swallowing. Many times they thicken their liquids into the consistency of applesauce. Another way one can facilitate swallowing is through a puree diet, which means that they liquify all forms of nutrients.
Common complaints from people with dysphagia:
"Food gets stuck in my throat."
"I cough whenever I drink."
"It goes down the wrong pipe!"
"It feels like there is a blockage in my throat like nothing can go down."
"I feel a lump in my throat""
"I am loosing weight because I have to avoid things like meat and breads."
"I have to thicken liquids."
"I have to take all of my food through a tube."
"I don't go out to restaurants because I have embarrassing coughing fits."