Signs and Symptoms of Dysphagia Among Seniors

Finding the best foods for seniors with swallowing difficulties can be difficult. As seniors age, it becomes difficult for them to swallow certain foods, especially hard ones. This condition is often known as Dysphagia which is a serious condition leading to malnutrition or dehydration among seniors. 

Not only this, it is also painful for seniors, and it can get upsetting for you to watch seniors in such a condition. 

Consequently, the key is to choose soft and safe food options that will be easier for seniors to swallow. Let us have an insight into dysphagia and its signs and symptoms. 

Dysphagia Among Seniors 

Dysphagia refers to a condition where seniors find it difficult to swallow foods. Due to this, seniors might take longer than you to move their food from their mouths to their stomachs. Seniors having trouble swallowing occasionally is not a cause of concern but persistent dysphagia can be severe and needs immediate medical attention. 

Signs and Symptoms of Dysphagia Among Seniors 

Most of the adult children, caregivers, and others are unable to make out if seniors have this condition known as dysphagia or not. So, here are the signs and symptoms you need to watch for to figure this out. 

• Foods or liquids difficult to swallow 
• Weight loss 
• Foods coming back
• Drooling
• Gagging, coughing
• Heartburn 
• Dehydration 
• Feeling pressure in the chest
• Experiencing pain while swallowing
• Hoarseness

With time, these symptoms can turn more severe. Make sure to consult a senior healthcare provider if your loved one has any of these symptoms or reports difficulty while swallowing. 

Reasons Why Foods Are Difficult To Swallow For Seniors 

Oral hygiene issues 

In the elderly, dysphagia, or difficulty in swallowing, can be caused by faulty dentures or poor dental health. Preventing tooth loss and using well-fitting dentures when natural teeth are not viable can significantly improve swallowing function. 

If dentures do not fit properly, it becomes challenging to chew and manipulate food in the mouth. Similarly, poor oral hygiene can hinder the ability to chew effectively. Therefore, dental care is vital not only for maintaining good oral health but also for enhancing swallowing function and overall health.

Stroke 

Another reason why seniors must be having trouble swallowing foods is stroke. The Senior’s brain coordinates different muscles during swallowing. So, if a stroke affected the part of the senior’s brain that seeks swallowing, then swallowing is likely to be affected.