THE FIRST STEP IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DYSPHAGIA IS TO SPOT THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS.
PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO SWALLOWING DURING MEALTIMES OR WHEN CONSUMING LIQUIDS.
Pay particular attention to the following: *
- Drooling or pocketing of food
- Difficulty chewing or painful swallowing
- Coughing or choking during swallowing
- Frequent throat clearing
- Impaired breathing during meals
- Wet, hoarse voice
- Sensing something stuck in throat
- Reflux of food or acid
- Avoidance of eating in the company of others
- Prolonged eating time or inability to finish a meal
- Food avoidance, playing with food, poor oral intake, food wastage
- Unexplained weight loss
In case of any of the above signs or symptoms of dysphagia, complete the EAT-10 self-check. It will help to set up an appointment with a healthcare professional to confirm a diagnosis and initiate care.
* Listed symptoms are not all inclusive; actual patient symptoms may vary.
