The Trust’s Speech and Language Therapy teams are highlighting the issues caused by difficulties with swallowing, also known as dysphagia causes during Swallowing Awareness Day (17th March).
Difficulties with swallowing (dysphagia), can be when trying to swallow certain foods or liquids. It often occurs due to certain medical conditions, for example, following a stroke or if the person has dementia. If not treated appropriately dysphagia can lead to a worsening of their overall health or even death. Signs of dysphagia can include; coughing or choking, repeat chest infections, malnutrition/dehydration, weight loss and difficulties with chewing or managing certain foods such as meats or biscuits.
Those affected by dysphagia include 95% of people with Motor Neurone Disease; 68% of people with Dementia; 65% of people who have had a stroke; 50% of people with Parkinson’s Disease; and 50 to 75% of nursing home residents (RCSLT 2019).
For more information visit – the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists website