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Understanding Dysphagia
What is Dysphagia?
An estimated 9 million Americans experience difficulty swallowing, a condition known as “dysphagia.” This issue becomes more common with age, affecting up to 1 in 5 older adults and as many as 40 percent of residents in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. Dysphagia can result from various health conditions, including stroke, head injury, dementia, multiple sclerosis (MS), multiple system atrophy (MSA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease, cerebral palsy, and cancer, among others. Individuals diagnosed with dysphagia are at a higher risk for aspiration, dehydration, and malnutrition. To promote safer swallowing, the use of beverage and food thickeners is often recommended.
Benefits of Thickening Fluids
Individuals with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing liquids, which can lead to aspiration (when food or liquid enters the lungs) and pneumonia. To address this issue, thickening liquids can help those with dysphagia swallow more comfortably and safely.
Thickeners can be added to various liquids such as water, juice, milk, tea, broth, and purées. This process creates a thicker, smoother consistency that slows down the movement of the liquid, making it easier to manage and giving the swallowing muscles more time to function effectively.
By using liquid thickeners, the likelihood of food going down the "right pipe" (the esophagus) to the stomach increases, while the risk of it going down the "wrong pipe" (the trachea/windpipe) and entering the lungs decreases.
Tips for Using Our Xanthan Gum Thickener
Start with a Clean Glass
Start with a Clean Glass
Start with a Clean Glass
To use Clear DysphagiAide® powder, always start by placing the powder into a clean, dry glass. Next, pour the liquid over the thickening powder while stirring.
Our powder activates instantly upon contact with water, which is why it's important to use a dry glass. Stirring briskly as soon as you add the liquid will give the best results.
Add Coffee Cream First
Start with a Clean Glass
Start with a Clean Glass
To achieve the best results, prepare your coffee or tea by adding milk, creamer, and/or sugar first. Then, pour the hot beverage into your cup containing Clear DysphagiAide powder and stir briskly for 30 seconds. After stirring, wait as the instructions indicate.
Please note that adding any milk, sugar, or creamer to your prepared thickened drink may cause clumping. Reheating the drink is also not recommended.
Enjoy Ice Cubes
Start with a Clean Glass
Enjoy Ice Cubes
Safe Ice Cubes:
The water must be thickened first, poured into the trays, then frozen! As the cubes melt, they will return to the same thickness level you made.
Safe Flavored Ice Cubes:
Follow the same directions but instead thicken your favorite fruit juices before pouring and freezing.
Remember To Start With A Clean, Dry Pitcher
Just as you would when making a single serving of thickened liquid, measure out the powder and put it into the dry pitcher first.
Pour the premeasured liquid into the pitcher while stirring briskly with a large spoon or whisk.
REMEMBER
Our powder activates instantly upon contact with liquid, which is why it's important to use a dry container. Stirring briskly as soon as you add the liquid will give the best results.
Swallowing Support & Resources
NFOSD - Support for Swallowing
NFOSD - Support for Swallowing
NFOSD - Support for Swallowing
NFOSD is dedicated to providing direct patient support, education, and research; raising public, professional and governmental awareness, and advancing the prevention and treatment of swallowing disorders.
IDDSI - Texture Standards
NFOSD - Support for Swallowing
NFOSD - Support for Swallowing
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IDDSI is an international collaboration of professionals who developed a standardized framework for labeling texture-modified foods and thickened liquids. The framework is designed to avoid the confusion created by variable terminology and definitions to describe modified diets around the world.
ASHA - Speech & Hearing
NFOSD - Support for Swallowing
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website provides information and resources for professionals, patients, and care givers. You can also find a SLP care provider.
Stroke & Dysphagia
Dysphagia occurs 30-50% of individualswho have had a stroke. Click below for information about dysphagia after a stroke
Parkinson's & Dysphagia
More than 80% of people with Parkinson's develop dysphagia during the course of the disease. Click below for information about dysphagia and Parkinson's Disease
Elderly & Dysphagia
Dysphagia is especially prevalent among the elderly; for instance, studies suggest that up to 75 percent of nursing home residents experience some degree of dysphagia, and that as many as half of all Americans over 60 will experience dysphagia at some point after that age.
Cerebral Palsy & Dysphagia
According to medical research, as many as 90 percent of children with Cerebral Palsy may show symptoms of dysphagia.
Dysphagia Outreach Project
Don’t let dysphagia limit your experiences. Apply for assistance from Dysphagia Food Bank today!