Swallowing Difficulties
Treating Swallowing Issues in Multiple Sclerosis
Dysphagia is initially diagnosed by a careful history and neurologic examination of the tongue and swallowing muscles. Your healthcare provider might use a special imaging procedure called a modified barium swallow study to evaluate your ability to chew and swallow solids and liquids.In this test, you eat and drink a small quantity of barium. This makes the structures of the mouth, throat and esophagus visible on X-ray. A video fluoroscope records the movement of these structures as you eat or drink foods of varying consistencies. Your provider can then identify the precise location and manner of the swallowing defect and prescribe treatment.A speech-language pathologist is the professional who diagnoses and treats dysphagia. Treatment typically consists of strategies for safer eating and swallowing, dietary changes, and exercises or stimulation to improve swallowing.
How to Manage Swallowing Issues in MS
In addition to exercises or dietary changes prescribed by your speech-language pathologist, you can use these strategies to make swallowing easier:- Eat while sitting upright.
- Chew slowly.
- Eat in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.
- Drink liquids throughout your meal.
- Avoid distractions while eating, such as talking.