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Patient Instructions

Some people can have a hard time chewing or swallowing foods or liquids. This is called dysphagia.

Symptoms of swallowing problems are:

• A weak voice
• Coughing or choking, either during or after eating
• Gurgling sounds from the throat during or after eating
• Throat clearing after drinking or swallowing
• Slow chewing or eating
• Coughing food back up after eating
• Hiccups after swallowing
• Chest discomfort during or after swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss

Symptoms may be mild or severe.

These general tips may help with swallowing problems:

• Sit up as straight as possible when you eat.
• Take small bites, less than 1 teaspoon of food per bite. Chew well and swallow your food before taking another bite.
• If one side of your face or mouth is weaker, chew food on the stronger side of your mouth.
• Do not mix solid foods with liquids in the same bite.
• Keep mealtime relaxed.
• Do not try to wash down solids with sips of liquids, unless your therapist told you it is OK to.
• Sit upright for 30 to 45 minutes after eating.
• You may need someone to remind you to finish swallowing.

Do not drink thin liquids without checking with your doctor or therapist first. Ask caregivers and family members not to talk to you when you are eating or drinking.

Call your doctor if:

• You cough or have fever or shortness of breath.
• You are losing weight.
• Your swallowing problems are getting worse.

Dysphagia - self-care

Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.