Swallowing Problems
At least a third of people with MS will experience swallowing difficulties at some time. Swallowing problems may be mild or more obvious, and they can come and go, or be longer lasting.
These difficulties are often due to damage to the nerves which control the muscles for eating and drinking, including the tongue, lips, jaw, throat and larynx, or the sensory nerves which feedback what is happening. Sometimes there are also changes to the thinking processes involved for swallowing such as concentration.
MS swallowing symptoms can include:
- Problems chewing
- Feeling as if food is sticking in your throat
- Food or drink coming back up
- Sluggish movement of food going down, or difficulty moving food back through your mouth
- Coughing and spluttering during and after eating and drinking
- Taking longer than usual to finish meals
- Dribbling when you are eating and drinking
- Dribbling when you are not eating or drinking
Swallowing difficulties can lead to more serious problems if left unchecked, including:
- Aspiration - when food or drink or saliva goes down the wrong way, into the windpipe down to the lungs. This can be very subtle, and you may not always cough, but it can lead to chest infections
- Malnutrition - when your body can't get all the energy and nutrients it needs from food
- Dehydration - when you don't get enough fluids
- Choking - when food gets lodged in your airway
Recognising swallowing difficulties early can help you avoid these complications. If you notice any difficulties with your swallow, discuss this at your MS review appointment or contact the MS helpline to discuss further.
This information was sourced from the MS Society https://www.mssociety.org.uk/about-ms/signs-and-symptoms/swallowing
Tips for managing swallowing:
If you are experiencing problems with your swallow, it is important that you see a speech and language therapist who can properly assess you and give advice specific to you. Please request a referral to the Speech and Language Therapy team for assessment of your swallow. You may discuss this at your MS review appointment or by contacting the MS helpline.
Below are some tips and strategies which may help:
- Reduce distractions
- Don't rush when eating and drinking. Cut the food up and take your time
- Alternate food with a sip of drink if there is a sensation of food sticking in your throat
- If you find that you get tired when eating, have smaller more frequent meals and eat at a time of day when you are less tired
- Note down foods which cause you difficulties and try to find alternatives which are easier to swallow
- Make sure that you are sat up well in a supportive chair for mealtimes
- Don't try to speak whilst you are eating
- Make sure you clean your teeth and mouth regularly to reduce bacteria
- Ask your GP or MS nurse for a referral to Speech and Language Therapy to provide assessment, advice, and treatment for your swallow
Onward referrals to Speech and Language Therapy:
The Dorset MS Team, your GP, or any other healthcare provider, can refer you to Speech and Language Therapy for further assessment.
For further information, look at Dorset Healthcare Dorset HealthCare :: Adult speech and language therapy and University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust Speech and Language Therapy (uhd.nhs.uk)
Links for further information
IDDSI - Patient Handouts - If you have been advised to have certain textures of food by the Speech and Language Therapist then this webpage has useful information for you.
Swallowing (Dysphagia) | Multiple Sclerosis Society UK (mssociety.org.uk)
