Dysphagia interventions

Modify consistency of food
1. Soft easy chew
2. Minced mashed
3. Thick purée
4. Normal
Modify consistency of fluids
1. Normal
2. Thickened to syrup consistency
3. Thickened to custard consistency
Modify feeding strategies
1. pacing - ensure bolus cleared before introducing more
2. volume
Indirectly modify swallow techniques
1. Thermal tactile stimulation
2. oral motor exs
Modify physiology of swallow mechanism during swallowing
1. Chin tuck - effective if delay in pharyngeal stage: widens vallecular space so bolus travels at slower rate through pharynx. Alsofor reduced laryngeal closure - the widened valleculae may divert material away from laryngeal vestibule so decreasing chance of aspiration
2. turn head L or R - towards affected side if there is paresis/paralysis
Modify Posture
1. 90 degrees - sit upright for 30 mins after meals
Improve oral hygiene
Educate Carers

Resource summary

	Created by ROZ TEFLSLT about 8 years ago