Estimates show 15 to 30 per cent of hospitalised patients1 and 10 to 30 per cent of people over 65 years have swallowing difficulties.2 Dysphagia affects individuals across the lifespan and contributes to reduced dietary intake, dehydration and malnutrition.
Yet while dysphagia is a relatively common condition, the safe consumption of liquids is the most problematic, and often the least understood.
Similarly, fluid thickening levels are like a prescription, where the correct level of thickness is unique to each patient’s needs.
This handy two page dysphagia management guide has been prepared by Dr Julie Cichero, Speech Pathologist and Deglutitionist (Honorary Research Consultant).
It provides an overview of how people with dysphagia should use thickened fluids, including the different levels of thickened fluids, correct mixing and standing techniques, the different types of thickening agents, and the role of thickened fluids in hydration.