Change in swallowing

Dysphagia is characterized by a change in the ability to swallow caused by several factors. It can be caused by diseases affecting the brain (e.g. Stroke, Alzheimer, Parkinson…), of changes that affect the structures involved in swallowing, emotional changes or resulting from the ageing process itself (e.g, loss of muscle mass, changes in the mouth and teeth, decreased taste and smell …).

Alert signs and symptoms...

The main signs and symptoms that indicate that there is a change in the ability to swallow are:

  • Coughing or choking caused by some type of food or own saliva
  • Shortness of breath, increased sputum (and generally audible, gurgling type)
  • Change in voice
  • Gastric Reflux (when the food content returns to the oesophagus and mouth)
  • Extension of the time needed to swallow the food.
  • Impaired chewing or difficulty in keeping food in the mouth
  • Feeling insecure and anxious at mealtimes
  • Refuse in feeding

If your family member has any of these signs or symptoms, do not continue to feed him/her. If the condition prevails, then contact the nurse or physician of your local health unit.

Food consistency

Adjusting the texture and consistency of solid and liquid food according to your family member’s situation is essential to prevent complications.

TYPE OF CONSISTENCY (Adapted from NDD, 2002 – National Dysphagia Diet)

SOLID

LIQUID
SOFT TEXTURE

Food should be naturally soft or cooked or crushed to alter its texture.

 NECTAR-LIKE CONSISTENCY

(thickened liquid)

It can be ingested with the help of a straw or directly from the glass.
GROUND AND MOIST TEXTURE

Foods are finely ground and moistened and easily fork mashable.  Pieces/chumps of food are usually smooth are round shaped.

 HONEY-LIKE TEXTURE

It cannot be ingested through a straw. Glass must be used.
PUREE TEXTURE

Foods are smooth, homogeneous, with no chumps or pieces.

 PUDIN-LIKE CONSISTENCY

You should use a spoon.

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