Swallowing difficulties

You may have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) before, during or after treatment. This may be caused by the cancer itself or by swelling in the oesophagus after surgery. Signs include: taking longer to chew and swallow; food getting caught in your mouth or throat; or bringing up food or vomiting.

Some people find that food and fluid go into the windpipe instead of the food pipe. This is called aspiration and it can lead to chest infections like pneumonia. Talk to your doctor about these symptoms.

How to manage swallowing difficulties

• Make food softer by chopping, mashing, slow-cooking, mincing or pureeing food.
• Between meals, snack on soft foods that are higher in energy and protein (e.g. avocado, yoghurt, ice-cream, custard, diced tinned fruit) and drink milkshakes.
• Chew carefully and slowly, sitting still and upright. Try to avoid talking while eating.
• Avoid dry foods such as bread, cakes, muffins and large chunks of meat. Add extra gravy or sauce to your meals.
• Wash food down with small sips of fluid.
• See a speech pathologist for help to manage these symptoms and suggestions on the types of foods to eat and ways to eat and drink safely.
• Talk to your doctor or dietitian if you are losing weight. They can help you find foods that provide enough nutrition and help you maintain your weight.
• Add special nutritional supplement drinks to your diet to help maintain your strength (e.g. Sustagen, Resource and Ensure).

→ READ MORE: Reflux and choking

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