Hospital promotes awareness for swallowing difficulties
CAN you imagine being unable to enjoy a single meal without feeling incredible pain in your throat?
For some people it is a daily struggle and one that has long gone unrecognised.
Specialists from the Speech and Language Therapy team held a Dysphagia awareness day at Royal Berkshire Hospital earlier this month in order to enlighten those who may be unaware of the condition.
Dysphagia isa serious and life-threatening condition and being unable to eat and drink safely can lead to chest infections, choking episodes and unhealthy weight loss.
Susan Willows, a member of the Speech and Language Therapy team, explained: Swallowing disorders can affect many people, especially those who have had a stroke, have Parkinsons disease, head and neck cancer, or dementia.
"Spotting signs early can significantly reduce risks of chest infections and malnutrition or dehydration.
Symptoms can include coughing or spluttering during drinks and meals, food avoidance, repeated chest infections, or a feeling of food sticking in the throat.
"If you experience symptoms like this you should contact your GP and ask to see a Speech and Language Therapist who can help diagnose the problems and support everyone involved.
Cancer survivors are highly likely to develop Dysphagia, with as many as 60 per cent of head and neck cancer survivors and 78 per cent of stroke survivors contracted the condition.
Other serious diseases have been linked to swallowing difficulties, including motor neuron disease, Parkinsons disease and dementia.
If you think you might have Dysphagia, contact the Speech and Language team on: 0300 365 1234 for advice on how to adjust your diet and appropriate throat exercises.
