The unseen symptom of swallowing issues.
Swallowing is an unseen symptom of Multiple Sclerosis. It needs to be identified early so that it can be managed.
Swallowing issues could manifest as:
Difficulty in chewing food.
Food gets stuck in throat and difficulty in going down properly.
Food and drink coming up.
Coughing and spluttering when eating.
Excess saliva dribbling.
Taking a long time to eat.
Changes in speech.
When new symptoms appear, one may feel anxious thinking that they are chocking when eating and drinking. If difficulties in swallowing is not addressed early it could result in weight loss or dehydration.
If it is not managed early, food may go down the windpipe to lung which many cause severe chest infections.
Ways to Manage Swallowing issues
Eat slowly
Chew your food well
Don’t talk when eating
Drink water in between swallowing so that food will be moist and will go down easily.
Choose your drinks carefully as thin liquids are more likely to go gown the windpipe.
Be in a relax atmosphere so that your muscles will relax and work easier.
Sit upright when eating and drinking.
Sit upright and after eating for 30 minutes.
