Dysphagia is a medical condition in which it is difficult or painful to swallow. One difficult aspect of treating patients who are suffering from dysphagia is ensuring that they are able to receive adequate nutrition. There are multiple levels of dysphagia, the Family Practice Notebook explains, with level one being the most severe type of dysphagia and level four being the least severe. Patients with dysphagia need to prepare special diets in order to get enough calories, vitamins and other nutrients to ensure good health.
Step 1
Break foods down to a size and texture that can be tolerated by the patient. The extent to which food must be broken into smaller pieces depends on the extent of the dysphagia. For example, patients with level one dysphagia will need foods pureed to a mashed-potato like consistency so that they can be swallowed. On the other hand, patients with level four dysphagia may be able to tolerate foods that have been cut into pieces of up to 1/2 inch, GICare.com notes.
Step 2
Avoid nuts and foods that are deep fried, raw or crisp. These foods can be a hazard for patients who have trouble chewing and swallowing, and can cause discomfort or choking.
Step 3
Supplement your diet with products such as Ensure, Carnation and Boost instant breakfast. These products can add extra calories and protein to the diet if you are having trouble getting adequate nutrition with other foods, Ohio State University reports. The "Plus" versions of these products contain the most calories.
Step 4
Eat in an upright position. This will make it easier for you to swallow food, and you should avoid reclining for 30 to 45 minutes after eating, GICare.com states.
Step 5
Eat small amounts of food at a time. You may find it easier to eat several small meals throughout the day and you should take small bites of food.
Things You'll Need
- Blender or other device for pureeing foods
