Dysphagia is a medical condition characterized by difficulty or discomfort in swallowing food, liquids, or saliva. It can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in older adults and can be caused by a variety of factors. Symptoms of dysphagia may include coughing or choking during or after swallowing, a feeling of food being stuck in the throat, regurgitation, and weight loss.
As a caregiver of an elderly parent, it’s important to be concerned about dysphagia because it can have serious health consequences. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can impact an elderly person’s overall health, quality of life, and even increase the risk of mortality.
Here are some ways dysphagia can impact your elderly parent:
- Malnutrition: Dysphagia can make it difficult for the elderly to eat enough food to meet their nutritional needs. Over time, this can lead to malnutrition, which can weaken the body and increase the risk of illness and infection. If your parent does bloodwork regularly through their doctor, request that they keep an eye on for anything that stands out on those tests.
- Dehydration: Swallowing difficulties can also make it difficult for the elderly to drink enough fluids. Dehydration can lead to many health problems, including urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and even seizures. You can work with your parent to create a system to make sure that they are getting proper amounts of water daily.
- Weight loss: Dysphagia can cause unintentional weight loss, which can be especially dangerous for the elderly. Significant weight loss can weaken the body and make it more vulnerable to illness and infection.
- Pneumonia: People with dysphagia are at an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia, which occurs when food or liquid enters the lungs instead of the stomach. This can lead to serious respiratory problems and even death.
- Social isolation: Eating is an important social activity, and people with dysphagia may feel isolated or embarrassed about their condition. This can lead to social isolation and depression. Mental health is vital to your parent’s life longevity.
- Difficulty taking medications: People with dysphagia may have difficulty swallowing pills or liquid medications, which can make it challenging to manage chronic health conditions.
- Increased risk of choking: Dysphagia can increase the risk of choking, which can be life-threatening for the elderly. As a caregiver, you can take classes that teach you how to handle those emergency situations with your parent if they choke.
It’s essential for the elderly with dysphagia to receive proper care and support to manage their condition. A healthcare professional can help diagnose dysphagia and develop a plan of care to prevent complications and improve quality of life.