If you don’t know what dysphagia is, it is a condition that affects people’s ability to swallow properly. Dysphagia is often caused by neurological problems or physical trauma and forces people to make significant changes to their diet. If you have just been diagnosed, then you must learn about it to know what to expect and what the causes are behind the condition. Let’s take a look at some of the myths about dysphagia that should be dispelled right away.
Only Seniors Get Dysphagia
The idea that only seniors can get dysphagia is simply not true. Anyone can have dysphagia and dysphagia itself is not caused by old age specifically. Dysphagia usually occurs after a neck or head injury or because of nervous system damage. Things like strokes, for instance, or a severe neck injury can cause dysphagia, and these can be suffered at any age. So, don’t assume that you can’t suffer from dysphagia because you’re younger.
Even babies can get dysphagia. This is common with children suffering from things like cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis, for instance. A cleft palate and a variety of muscular conditions can cause dysphagia in children as well.
People with Dysphagia Cannot Have an Enjoyable Diet
One of the biggest misconceptions about dysphagia is that you’ll have to eat bland food all your life and live on thickened beverages only. While most people will need to use thickeners for drinks or soups, they will also be able to eat a whole variety of other foods and the texture will depend on the severity of their dysphagia.
Thickened liquids and drinks aren’t as bad as people make them out to be either. You have names like the SimplyThick company offering delicious thickeners that preserve the full taste of beverages and can even enhance them. Thickened drinks may take some time to get used to, but after a while, they’ll become normal to you, and you might even grow to like them.
When it comes to food, some people will have to puree or mince their food, while others may have to cut them down to bite sized pieces and make sure that the food isn’t too rough and has a consistent texture.
You’ll Need to Turn Your Entire Life Upside Down After Being Diagnosed
A lot of people are devastated when they learn that they have dysphagia and assume that they won’t be able to live a normal life. But there are plenty of ways to circumvent the limitations of being dysphagic.
The best thing you can do is inform your friends and the people around you about your condition so they can accommodate you when needed. Now would also be a good time to learn how to cook and how to adapt foods to your new lifestyle so you can make your diet more interesting and varied.
Dysphagia is an issue that affects more people than people think, and it would be wise for you to learn as much about it as you can right now. Learn about the causes of the issue, how to prevent them, and what life with dysphagia is truly like just in case.