Preventing aspiration

Signs of dysphagia: coughing or choking with meals, wet gurgly voice after drinking, meals lasting over 45 minutes, food pocketed in the cheek, unexplained weight loss, recurrent pneumonia. Prevention: sit at 90 degrees, chin tucked slightly down, small bites, no straws unless prescribed, no talking while eating, remain upright 30 minutes after, mouth care twice daily, and check the mouth is empty at the end of the meal. Good oral care reduces aspiration pneumonia as much as texture modification does.

Clinical content reviewed by Ducamelle Louis, Registered Nurse