[Ming Pao News]Diet is a very important part of maintaining quality of daily life and good health. As we age, especially those over 80 years old, due to the decline in chewing ability, digestive system and body functions, as well as various underlying health problems, eating often becomes more difficult than before. For example, eating is not large enough, or requires more food. It takes a long time to finish a meal, or you cough with excessive phlegm while eating, or you may even experience symptoms of shortness of breath and suffocation. These conditions can be serious or minor, and can lead to pneumonia or even death in severe cases. (Editor’s note: To prevent swallowing problems in the elderly, the author provides the following 4 methods, including maintaining oral health, paying attention to eating posture, etc…)
There are many causes of swallowing problems in the elderly, which may be related to muscle decline, chronic diseases, etc.
The cause of dysphagia in the elderly may be related to chronic diseases such as muscle decline and cognitive impairment
There are many causes of swallowing problems in the elderly, including:
1. Muscle and nervous system decline: As we age, our muscles and nervous system will gradually decline, including the muscles of the tongue, throat and esophagus.This decline can lead to problems with swallowing coordination, making it difficult for food to pass smoothly through the esophagus.
2. Chronic diseases: Chronic diseases such as sarcopenia, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and stroke may have a negative impact on the nervous system and muscles, affecting swallowing function.
3. Oral health: Lack of adequate and healthy teeth, as well as the aging of the gums and the atrophy of the old dentures, may make it difficult for the elderly to chew and swallow food effectively.
4. Drug side effects: Some drugs may cause dry mouth and throat discomfort. Some drugs can affect the elderly’s appetite, even make them drowsy, and affect the swallowing process.
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Attention for caring for the elderly: cough with excessive phlegm and weight loss when eating
Family members or caregivers should pay more attention to the eating habits of the elderly. If they notice any abnormalities, such as food remaining in the mouth, food seems to be stuck when eating, swallowing time becomes slower or coughing, water flows out of the corners of the mouth when drinking, or “turbidity” appears. These situations remind family members or caregivers to pay more attention to whether the elderly have difficulty swallowing. Especially if they observe that the elderly have begun to lose weight, lack of energy, or have insufficient nutrition, they should consult a doctor as soon as possible to seek the cause and treatment. .
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4 ways to maintain oral health and pay attention to eating posture to prevent
Ways to prevent swallowing problems in the elderly include:
1. Make sure you take in enough water: to keep your mouth and throat moist, which helps with smooth swallowing.
2. Maintain oral health: including checking whether the teeth and mucous membranes are healthy; if the physical condition is ideal, one of the effective methods is to install dentures or improve swallowing function
3. Choose foods that are easy to chew and digest: When eating solid foods such as vegetables and meat, you may need to chop or chop them into small pieces to facilitate swallowing.
4. Pay attention to eating posture: Especially the frail and sick elderly should concentrate on eating or feeding and maintain a sitting posture, which will be safer.
When doctors deal with elderly people with swallowing problems, they must first understand the cause of the disease. If necessary, they will refer to a speech therapist for detailed evaluation. They will also give family members and caregivers some daily feeding techniques and suggestions for preparing suitable foods to avoid food-related problems when the elderly eat. Entering the trachea and causing serious consequences. In summary, understanding the causes of swallowing problems in the elderly is the first step in prevention to ensure that they can continue to enjoy delicious food and maintain health and quality of life.
Text: He Yunshi
(Geriatric specialist, Chinese University of Hong Kong Hospital)
(Walk along the medical road)
2024-02-06 06:57:15
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