SHOP PRODUCTS
Houzz Logo Print
glassquilt

simple fix for Dysphagia: 'difficulty swallowing.'

glassquilt
16 years ago

DH has trouble swallowing - he chokes on water. He's coughed so hard he can't talk for half a day.

Some time ago he had a 'swallow test' for want of a better term. He sat in front of a machine and swallowed stuff while a doctor watched x-rays or something. She told him that he needs to swallow harder, with more force. That some liquid just ends up sitting on the back of his tongue and then slips down the wrong pipe. (Not the medical explanation but close enough.) This doctor suggested that DH have physical therapy and relearn to swallow. That went over like a lead ballon.

Today DH had his regular visit with Dr C, Pulmonology. She's the one who diagnosed his sleep apnea. How's he sleeping? How's his shortness of breath? Somehow his choking on water came up. Seems it's common as one ages to choke on thin liquid like water. But thicker liquid, like a nectar, is no problem. She came up with a simple solution. An OTC product called Thick-It. It's a powder you stir into water or any liquid that changes the consistency of the drink - makes it thicker and easier to swallow. We got some at Walgreens, DH tried it and it works. DH says there's no taste. He's only tried it in water so far.

If you know anyone who has this problem, check it out. What a relief.

http://www.thickitretail.com/index.html

Comments (13)