As a Parkinson's patient, I've experienced firsthand the challenges of dealing with swallowing difficulties. One effective strategy I've found is to take Carbidopa-Levodopa, a medication that can help alleviate these symptoms. It's important to talk to your doctor about the right dosage for your specific needs, as well as any potential side effects. Additionally, working with a speech therapist and practicing swallowing exercises can also help improve this issue. Remember, staying proactive and seeking proper medical guidance is the key to managing and overcoming swallowing difficulties in Parkinson's patients.
Swallowing Difficulties: Practical Tips and When to Get Help
Having trouble swallowing can be scary. You may feel food sticking, cough when you eat, or avoid certain textures. Swallowing problems (dysphagia) happen for many reasons — acid reflux, stroke, medications that dry the mouth, or muscle and nerve issues. The goal is simple: keep you safe, eating well, and avoid chest infections from food going the wrong way.
First, watch for warning signs. If you choke often, lose weight without trying, have recurring chest infections, or notice drooling and speech changes, see a doctor quickly. Sudden trouble swallowing after a head injury or stroke is an emergency. If breathing becomes hard while eating, call emergency services.
Easy steps to make swallowing safer
Small changes can reduce risk. Sit upright at a 90-degree angle while eating and stay upright for 30 minutes after meals. Cut food into small pieces and take slow, deliberate bites. Try thicker liquids — some people do better with smoothies or thickened drinks instead of thin soup. Put a hand on your throat to feel each swallow and pause between sips or bites. Eat in a quiet, unhurried place to avoid distractions.
Certain exercises and techniques help too. The chin-tuck (tucking your chin down toward your chest while swallowing) can stop food from entering the airway for some people. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can teach targeted exercises to strengthen throat muscles and show safe swallowing maneuvers. Ask your doctor for a referral to a certified SLP if swallowing feels weak or effortful.
Medical checks and treatments
Your clinician may order tests like a bedside swallowing study, a video fluoroscopic swallow study (modified barium swallow), or a flexible endoscopic evaluation. These tests show where the problem is happening and guide treatment. If acid reflux is the cause, medications and diet changes can help. If medication side effects are involved, your provider may change doses or try alternatives. Neurologic causes like Parkinson’s or stroke need tailored plans that often include therapy and routine monitoring.
For long-term safety, focus on nutrition and oral care. Choose nutrient-dense, easy-to-swallow foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, eggs, and blended soups. Stay hydrated with thicker liquids if thin fluids cause coughing. Brush teeth and rinse after meals to lower pneumonia risk. If weight loss is significant, your team may suggest supplements or alternate feeding options until swallowing improves.
Some meds and health problems make swallowing worse. Anticholinergic drugs (like old antihistamines), certain blood pressure meds, or high-dose opioids can dry the mouth or slow reflexes. Simple fixes: ask your prescriber about alternatives, sip water between bites, use saliva substitutes if dry mouth is severe, and carry soft snacks when you travel. Keep a list of current meds for each medical visit. Stay safe.
Swallowing issues are not something to ignore. Start with simple safety moves at home, get screened by your doctor, and work with a speech therapist for a personalized plan. Small changes often lead to big improvements in comfort and safety while eating.
12
May
