The medical term used for difficulty swallowing is dysphagia. This issue frequently arises after a stroke because the brain regions that control the swallowing muscles might be affected. We refer to this condition as post-stroke dysphagia.
Eating and drinking may be difficult for those who have dysphagia. When trying to swallow, they could choke or cough, or they might feel as though something is trapped in their throat. Mealtimes may become stressful as a result, and if food or liquid goes into the lungs, it may potentially result in pneumonia and other severe health problems, including starvation and dehydration.
Doctors may do specialized tests, such as a swallowing study, in which the patient swallows food or liquid coated with a dye that appears on an X-ray to detect dysphagia. This aids doctors in identifying trouble spots in the swallowing process.
Working with a speech-language therapist who can teach exercises to improve the swallowing muscles is a common part of treatment for post-stroke dysphagia. Additionally, therapists may advise dietary modifications, such as consuming softer meals or thickening liquids to make swallowing easier. Sometimes, feeding tubes are required briefly until the patient’s swallowing becomes more efficient.
Not everyone with dysphagia will recover completely, and recovery might take some time. However, with the correct assistance and therapy, many people may experience major changes and return to healthier, more pleasant eating and drinking.