Swallowing disorders are common but often go unnoticed until they cause difficulties in daily life and pose a potential health risk. This condition can affect many people, especially older people, and can easily lead to severe problems if not detected and managed correctly. So what is swallowing disorder, what are the causes, and how can it be prevented? Let's take a closer look at this topic.

  1. What is a swallowing disorder?

Swallowing disorder, also known as dysphagia, is a condition in which food or liquid is difficult to move from the mouth to the stomach. This condition can occur at different stages of the swallowing process and can range in severity from mild, such as a feeling of obstruction, to severe, when the patient cannot swallow.

There are two common types of swallowing disorders:

  • Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: Occurs when there is an obstruction or loss of function in the mouth and throat.
  • Esophageal Dysphagia occurs when the oesophagus does not function properly or is obstructed, making it difficult to move food down to the stomach.
  1. Common causes of swallowing disorders

Swallowing disorders can result from a variety of causes, including:

  • Ageing: As we age, the muscles and nerves in the throat and oesophagus can weaken, leading to difficulty swallowing.
  • Neurological disorders: Diseases such as Parkinson's, stroke, Alzheimer's, and multiple sclerosis can impair the function of the nerves that control the muscles, causing difficulty swallowing.
  • Esophagitis: Inflammation or damage to the oesophagus due to reflux or allergies can make swallowing difficult.
  • Tumours or physical obstructions: Tumors in the throat or oesophagus can block the passage of food.

Medication side effects: Some medications can reduce saliva production or affect organs involved in swallowing.

  1. Potential risks of swallowing disorders

Swallowing disorders can pose potential health risks if not managed promptly:

3.1. Malnutrition and dehydration

Difficulty eating can lead to a reduction in daily food and water intake, leading to the risk of malnutrition and dehydration. This condition is severe for older people, as they are more susceptible to weakness due to deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and energy needed by the body.

3.2. Risk of aspiration and pneumonia

When swallowing is abnormal, food or drink can go into the respiratory tract instead of down the oesophagus, causing aspiration. This can lead to pneumonia or other respiratory illnesses, especially dangerous in people with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions.

3.3. Difficulty breathing and choking

Severely, swallowing disorders can cause choking if food gets stuck in the throat. This condition can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

  1. Support solutions for people with swallowing disorders

There are many ways to support people with swallowing disorders, from changing eating habits to using support products:

4.1. Adjusting diet

People with difficulty swallowing can change their diet to soft, easy-to-swallow foods such as soups, porridge, and smoothies. Avoid hard or difficult-to-chew foods, as they can cause choking.

4.2. Eating slowly and breaking up meals

Eating slowly and dividing meals into small portions helps reduce pressure on the digestive system while reducing the risk of choking or choking. This also helps the patient feel more comfortable when eating.

4.3. Adjusting posture when eating

Sitting up straight and keeping your head up while eating helps food move quickly down the oesophagus and avoid choking. Avoid lying down after eating to prevent food from refluxing.

4.4. Using support products

In addition to changing eating habits, using support products for people with swallowing problems can be a helpful solution. For example, Morinaga Tsururinko gel helps adjust the texture of food, making it easier to swallow without worrying about choking. This product is not a medicine but a complementary option to improve the eating experience to be safer and more pleasant.

  1. Preventing swallowing disorders

Preventing swallowing disorders helps protect health and creates conditions for a more comfortable life, especially for the elderly or those at high risk. Some preventive measures include:

  • Maintain oral hygiene: Clean and healthy teeth help the chewing and swallowing process more effectively.
  • Regular Exercise helps improve muscle strength, including the muscles involved in the swallowing process.
  • Maintain a healthy diet: A nutritious diet helps the body maintain the functioning of the digestive organs.
  • Limit unnecessary medications: Some medications can affect the ability to swallow and digestive function, so consult a doctor when using them.

Swallowing disorders are a common condition, especially in the elderly, but are often overlooked until they cause serious health problems. Early recognition of signs, appropriate supportive measures, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are effective ways to reduce the risk of swallowing disorders. In particular, using support products such as Morinaga Tsururinko can make eating more accessible, reduce the risk of choking, and ensure the safety of people with swallowing disorders.