How to eat when I can’t swallow?

Abstract

Imagine losing control over the muscles of your mouth and throat. Imagine not being able to chew or swallow. Imagine life without a burger or a chocolate cake. Imagine fits of coughing when you try to swallow anything. Imagine looking at food with fear, fear of choking. Swallow difficulties can affect anyone and at any stage of life. It can be a congenital disorder – for example caused by cerebral palsy, or it can be acquired – caused by a stroke, cancer, or progressive neurological illness. When the mouth muscles stop working properly you may experience difficulties chewing food. Eating and drinking may become a very long, effortful and messy process. It can make you feel embarrassed, especially when you eat in public. When the throat muscles are affected you are at risk of choking and aspiration. This means that any drink, food or even saliva may redirect towards your ...