Tips for Living with Dysphagia

• eat and drink slowly
• small sips and bites usually allow for better control of liquids and food
• minimize distractions while eating (ie. turn the TV off)
• eat while sitting upright; don’t eat while reclined unless advised to do so 
• avoid talking while chewing and swallowing
• eat small, frequent meals rather than three large meals daily
• stay upright at least one to two hours after a meal; avoid lying down
• thoroughly swallow all food and liquids in the mouth and throat before taking another bite
• if there is weakness on one side of the face or tongue, place food on the stronger side
• clear throat and re-swallow if voice sounds gurgly or wet  
• if drooling is a problem, avoid excessive sweets; sweets stimulate saliva production
• avoid the use of straws, which generally require greater strength and control than drinking directly from a glass or cup
• stop eating and drinking when overly tired or short of breath
• if receiving alternative nutrition, such as tube feeding, eat or drink by mouth before taking tube feeding to increase chances of being hungry at mealtime
• if taking medications for painful swallowing, take medication in enough time to get benefit from the medication (in controlling the pain) before eating
• check mouth for residual food before laying down
• if treated for reflux, follow reflux precautions

Contact the Voice and Swallowing Center at 678-843-7586.