I Couldn't Swallow! My Terrifying Dysphagia Story and What You Need To Know

2025-08-28 18:00:19.504

The author, a speech-language pathologist (SLP), recounts her daughter's diagnosis with dysphagia (swallowing disorder) at two months old due to RSV. Treatment involved thickening her formula. This experience fueled the author's career as an SLP. The article then delves into the mechanics of proper swallowing, emphasizing the importance of appropriately sized bites, thorough chewing, and having liquids available during meals. It stresses the need to avoid quickly consuming liquids, suggesting tilting the head slightly or using a straw. Various causes of dysphagia are explored, including inflammation, irritation, underlying medical conditions (like neurological disorders or gastrointestinal distress), anxiety, and even the natural aging process. The article highlights that dysphagia can be short-lived or chronic, sometimes requiring a feeding tube or dietary modifications. The impact on quality of life is discussed, including the challenges faced by children and adults with dysphagia, such as anxiety, social isolation, and dietary restrictions. The author shares her own experience with dysphagia as an adult, which resulted in mindful eating and a slower pace of meals. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of early identification and intervention for dysphagia.