Only in the last century or so, scholars, scientists, and the average man on the street alike have realized the intrinsic link between the mind and the body and, more specifically, how emotional issues can control natural behavior.
Dysphagia, the umbrella term for various swallowing disorders, can only last for a few weeks or months, or else it could be something to factor into your life for the long term.
With this in mind, continue reading to learn four key ways to help your child manage their swallowing disorder.
- Be Aware of Dysphagia Signs
Even if your son or daughter has been officially diagnosed with dysphagia, this does not mean they will struggle to consume any food at any time. Moreover, it is much more likely that certain foods or certain triggers make it worse.
The warning signs that your child is experiencing a bout of dysphagia include the following:
- Continuous drooling
- Gurgling
- Storing food in the corner of the mouth
- A feeling that food is stuck in the chest or throat
- Regurgitation through the nose and/or mouth
- Use a Food Thickener
The most common food and drink preparation for children and adults living with dysphagia is using a food thickener.
The benefits of using leading brands of food thickener, such as SimplyThick EasyMix, include a more palatable overall texture and feel, improved stability in the mouth and throat, and even a more tempting physical appearance.
Food thickeners work by thickening both fluids and pieces of food, slowing the transition through the mouth, throat, and stomach, thus allowing significantly more time to navigate the process of swallowing more safely.
- Keep Regular Appointments with the Doctor
There are myriad reasons why your child is experiencing signs and symptoms of dysphagia, from an allergic reaction to an insect bite to serious medical conditions. The best course of action is to keep regular appointments with your medical doctor.
Furthermore, if you have been given the tools to take care of your child at home and have reported significant improvements in how comfortable they are when eating and drinking, yet you are worried they are struggling to breathe or swallow even their own saliva, then contact the doctor immediately.
- Enroll Them in Speech & Language Therapy
Finally, one of the leading therapies available for children who are experiencing periods of dysphagia is a course of speech and language therapy to help them learn how to control the muscles in their throat, which can also help their dysphagia.
A prominent speech and language therapist will suggest changes to your child’s diet and specific nutritional supplements that are fortified with vitamins and nutrients and easier to swallow.
Additionally, they will help your child to change their posture whilst eating and drinking and teach them ways to hold their tongue, mouth and teeth for a more successful swallowing process.
Ultimately, coping with dysphagia, especially for children, requires a patient and well-trained eye to monitor the condition.
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