Dysphagia,
difficulty with chewing or swallowing food or liquid, can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration, pneumonia, and even death. Dysphagia can have a wide-range of symptoms and causes. Clients suffering from dysphagia are in acute care, long-term facilities and outpatient facilities. Dietary modifications, including altering food consistency or providing a liquefied diet, is an important aspect of dysphagia management.
Thickeners
Thickeners can be used to thicken liquids or pureed food to make both easier to swallow. Liquid thickeners are available in
powdered thickeners or
gel thickeners.