People who suffer from dysphagia also suffer from a certain invisibility on the part of society, since it is not a health problem that is usually talked about. Dysphagia is a medical condition that causes difficulty, in some cases even impossibility, when it comes to eating certain foods. The swallowing process is complicated and can even pose health risks if food is directed into the airways. This causes a considerable impact on the daily life of older people who suffer from it.
Dysphagia forces patients to practice a very specific type of diet, since the foods that they can eat, and that do not threaten their well-being, must meet a series of specific conditions. This has to do with their consistency and texture, among other aspects.
It is also essential that people with dysphagia can eat in favorable circumstances. For example, without distractions and in a quiet environment, to avoid choking. As well as with a specific posture, with a straight back, which will make it easier for them to swallow food correctly. And, of course, without rushing.
The ideal food for people with dysphagia must be of a smooth and homogeneous texture and consistency, without being solid or dry, but not too liquid either. And the preparation of the food will be important, it is convenient to rule out those that present a change in their consistency, such as fruits that give off liquid when chewed.
Any food that is solid, too liquid, sticky in texture or irregular in consistency will be discarded. Otherwise there may be cases of coughing, choking or even aspiration pneumonia.
