ALS swallowing problems
When people think of ALS, they might incorrectly assume that it affects only the
arms and legs. But ALS affects communication from the brain to all muscles in the
body. For that reason, some people exhibit early symptoms that include difficulty
chewing or swallowing.
A weak tongue or cheek muscles could make chewing difficult (and therefore make
swallowing difficult). Likewise, the swallowing reflex could be disrupted by a neurological
disorder like ALS.
An increased risk of choking means that people with ALS may not be able to eat normally.
Maintaining weight would then become a problem.
Swallowing tips
Those in the early stages of ALS can manage problems with chewing and swallowing
by eating carefully. Here are a few strategies for safer swallowing:
- Sit upright during meals
- Eliminate distractions and concentrate on a slow, steady rate of eating
- Clear the mouth of any excessive secretions/saliva prior to eating
- Take small bites
- Keep the chin slightly tucked to prevent opening the airway too much (making it
easy for food to go down the wrong way)
- Swallow two or three times to clear the throat
- Alternate swallowing food and liquids
- Moisten foods with gravy or sauces
When swallowing problems begin to occur, it may be necessary to make dietary changes
to make swallowing easier. Learn about
diet changes for easier swallowing.
For those in the middle and late stages of ALS (see
Stages of ALS), a feeding tube may be necessary to make sure nutrition is
being received into the body and that proper weight is maintained. A feeding tube
will also help avoid choking hazards.