Swallowing problems after stroke (Dysphagia)

What is a Swallowing Disorder?

Dysphagia is a difficulty, or inability, in swallowing.

This may reduce a person’s ability to take nutritionally adequate food and drink and may result in the person being NIL BY MOUTH  - being unable to take food, liquid or medicine by mouth.

There is also a risk that food or drink will go into the lungs (aspiration) rather than the stomach, which can cause choking and /or chest infection.

Dysphagia can be caused by a stroke. This can lead to the muscles of the mouth being weak or uncoordinated, resulting in difficulties in chewing.

The muscles further back in the mouth or throat may also be affected, leading to difficulties with food or drink sticking in the throat or dropping into the windpipe resulting in coughing.

A Speech and Language Therapist assesses swallowing ability.

In addition a special type of x-ray called a videofluoroscopy may be recommended.

This allows us to see where the difficulties are occurring and if any food /drink textures or positions are easier than others.

Signs of swallowing difficulties

• Too much or too little mouth movement during chewing/swallowing
• Difficulty starting a swallow
• Coughing or choking while eating /drinking
• Needing to swallow two or three times to get something over
• Food remaining in your mouth after swallowing
• Food collecting in one side of your mouth
• Dribbling during or after eating
• Gurgly or wet sounding voice after eating/drinking

What can be done to help?

• Follow the Speech and Language Therapist’s recommendations on the type of diet, drinks and head/neck position that are safest for you
• Follow any exercises given to improve muscle movement
• Always sit in an upright position when eating or drinking
• Take small mouthfuls and allow extra time for meals
• Never take another mouthful until you have cleared any food/drink remaining in your throat (take extra swallows if necessary)
• Be extra careful with mouth care and teeth cleaning- clean more regularly and thoroughly
  

Further information about dysphagia can be found in the CHSS leaflet "Swallowing problems after stroke (Dysphagia)".

 

The information on this page was developed by NHS Tayside's Dysphagia Network.