Dysphagia Flashcards
Dysphagia
A Greek word meaning “disordered eating”. Refers to difficulty in eating as a result of disruption of the swallowing process.
Parts of the Mouth Involved in Swallowing
- Tongue
- Pharynx
- Larynx
- Esophagus
- Trachea
Health Risks Related to Dysphagia
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Airway constriction
Signs and Symptoms of Pharyngeal Dysphagia
Coughing or choking with swallowing Difficulty initiating swallowing Food sticking in the throat Unexplained weight loss Change in dietary habits Recurrent pneumonia Change in voice/speech (wet voice) Nasal regurgitation
Signs and Symptoms of Esophageal Dysphagia
Sensation of food sticking in the chest or throat
Oral or pharyngeal regurgitation
Change in dietary habits
Recurrent pneumonia
Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing with Sensory Testing
Uses a lighted fiberoptic tube or endoscope to view mouth and throat while examining how the swallowing mechanism responds to such stimuli as a puff of air, food, or liquids.
Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (Barium Swallow)
A test that takes a videotaped X-ray of the entire swallowing process by having the pt consume several foods or liquids along with the mineral barium to improve visibility of the digestive tract. This helps to identify where the pt is having trouble swallowing.
The 4 Categories of Dysphagia Treatment
- Surgery/switching medical prescription
- Physical modification
- Swallow modification
- Food modification
The 3 Levels of the National Dysphagia Diet
Level 1- Pureed
Level 2- Mechanically altered
Level 3- Transition to regular diet
Level 1 Pureed
Moderate to severe dysphagia. Foods should be at pudding-like consistency. No course textures, raw fruits or vegetables, or nuts. Avoid lumps, chunks, and seeds.
Level 2 Mechanically Altered
Mild to moderate dysphagia. Transition from pureed to more solid textures. Foods that are moist, soft-textured, and easily formed into a bolus. Meats are ground or minced, Chewing ability if required.
Level 3 Transition to Regular Diet
Mild dysphagia. Transition to a regular diet. Nearly regular textures, no hard, sticky, or crunchy items. Foods still need to be moistened and in “bite size” pieces.
