Patient education: Dysphagia in adults – Discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.

What is dysphagia? — Dysphagia means "trouble swallowing." Sometimes, this happens if you eat too fast or don't chew your food well enough. Other times, it is related to a medical problem.

How do I care for myself at home? — Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

Your doctor or nurse might suggest that you do the following, based on what is causing your dysphagia:

●Take all of your medicines as instructed.

●Eat slowly. Take small bites of food, and chew them well. Take small drinks between bites.

●Sit up straight while eating. Stay upright for 30 to 60 minutes after eating.

●Limit distractions while eating.

●Work with a speech and swallowing therapist. They can teach you exercises to help strengthen the muscles used for eating and swallowing.

●Change the texture of foods, or thicken liquids to make them easier to swallow (figure 1). Your doctor, nurse, or speech therapist can help with this. It can also help to work with a dietitian.

●Work with your doctor, nurse, dietitian, or speech therapist to find foods that do not cause you problems or make swallowing uncomfortable.

What follow-up care do I need? — Your doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to make a follow-up appointment. If so, make sure that you know when and where to go. You might also need to see a speech therapist to help with swallowing problems.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for advice if you:

●Have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills

●Feel like you are choking on food or liquids

●Have trouble breathing, or have more coughing or heartburn after you eat or drink

●Feel like you have a lump or food stuck in your throat

●Have pain with swallowing or your trouble swallowing gets worse

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Patient education: Dysphagia (The Basics)
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