Simply put, dysphagia means difficulty swallowing.
According to Speech Pathology Australia, dysphagia can be any problem with the muscles in the mouth and throat that change the way you swallow, including how you chew, suck and control your saliva.
You might notice you are coughing, gagging or choking when you eat and drink or maybe you’ve had problems with food going down the wrong way and into your lungs. You might not be able to hold your lips together as usual causing food and drink to dribble out.
Dysphagia is very common for people with MND. MND Australia report around two thirds of people with MND will have dysphagia. For people with a diagnosis of Progressive Bulbar Palsy (PBP), dysphagia symptoms may have been some of the first signs of MND and for people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), dysphagia symptoms may be experienced later. Generally, dysphagia is not experienced by people with Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PMA).
When to access support
For people living with MND we recommend being assessed by a speech pathologist and a dietitian soon after diagnosis. If you notice changes to the way you swallow and chew or changes to your saliva, ask for a reassessment as soon as possible. You should also seek advice if you have noticed that it is taking more effort to chew, mealtimes are getting longer or if you are coughing while you are eating.
Support from a speech pathologist
A speech pathologist and dietitian can provide advice about food consistency, aids and devices, swallowing techniques and nutritional needs. The speech pathologist is skilled in understanding the muscles around the mouth and throat. They will recommend strategies to respond to the symptoms of dysphagia including thickened fluids and changes in food consistency as well as exercises to help safe swallowing. Where the issue is more severe the speech pathologist may recommend a feeding tube. A referral to a gastroenterologist would then be recommended.
Not sure where to start? Ask your MND Advisor
If you’re not sure where to start for information about MND and about dysphagia, contact your MND Advisor. You Advisor can also support you to link with a speech pathologist in your local area.
You can also contact info line on 1800 777 175 or
Find out more:
- Information and publications about managing MND
- Eating, Drinking & Swallowing with MND | MND Australia
- Home | Speech Pathology Australia
- Swallowing Awareness Day
