Thanks to breakthroughs in medicine and nutrition in recent years, we are living longer than ever before. But this increase in life expectancy also brings an increase in the number of diseases, injuries and impairments that affect older adults. With this in mind, we at the local Visiting Angels office in Salem have created this series of articles to keep our older population and their families informed and to offer some practical advice for meeting the challenges faced by seniors and those who care for them.

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Most people swallow a bite of food or a drink of water without giving it a second thought, but for many, medical conditions can make the physical act of swallowing difficult. These swallowing problems, known medically as dysphagia, affect nearly 14 percent of the population, according to reports. They can affect children with developmental disabilities, but they are more common in older adults.

Around a quarter of all people over 80 reportedly suffer from some form of the condition, and it affects up to half of all those seniors living in skilled care facilities. It is especially common in those older adults with health conditions that affect muscle strength and control, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson’s disease.

A stroke can sometimes cause neurological damage that can affect the person’s ability to swallow, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also lead to dysphagia, as can growths in or around the esophagus.

For some, dysphagia means trouble swallowing some foods or liquids, but for others with the condition, it means not being able to swallow at all. While occasional trouble swallowing is not always an indication that someone is suffering from dysphagia, a medical provider can diagnose the condition following an examination and testing.

Signs of dysphagia that indicate the person may want to see their doctor for such a diagnosis include repeated, uncontrollable episodes of gagging, choking or coughing during eating; leaving meals unfinished or taking an extended time to finish eating; and holding food in the cheeks without swallowing. Some people with dysphagia may drool uncontrollably, and others may feel like something is caught in their throat.

Other symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, and dehydration, as well as aspiration pneumonia or chest congestion, as food accidentally travels into airways instead of down the esophagus. In some cases food may come back out through the nose.

A medical provider will be able to diagnose dysphagia and develop a treatment plan following tests, which may include a swallowing study, endoscopy or x-rays. Treatment may include medications, dietary changes, or speech therapy to teach the person new ways to swallow. In some cases surgery may be necessary to widen the esophagus by stretching it or inserting a stent, or to insert a feeding tube into the nose or stomach.

Foods with soft textures, such as yogurt and pudding, are easier for people with dysphagia to swallow. Also good are foods that can be chewed easily such as oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and ground meat served with gravy to keep it moist. Other foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can be pureed to make them smooth and easier to swallow. In some cases, a thickener may be added to foods and drinks to make them easier to swallow by changing their consistency.

People with dysphagia should stay away from foods like ice cream, which melt easily and can cause aspiration. Other foods to avoid include potato chips, dry breads, tough meats, and fresh fruits and vegetables that have not been pureed or cooked to soften them.

People with dysphagia should be taking small bites and should be encouraged to eat slowly to make swallowing easier. Eating smaller meals more often can also help. Using straws should be discouraged because they draw drinks into the mouth quickly and can lead to aspiration.

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Information provided by Visiting Angels, America’s choice in homecare. Visiting Angels’ non-medical homecare services allow people to continue enjoying the independence of their daily routines and familiar surroundings. To set up an appointment for a free in-home consultation, call 330-332-1203.