Does Your Elderly Loved One Have Chewing or Swallowing Issues?
Have you been told by a homecare provider that your loved one has chewing and/or swallowing issues? If so, there are could be numerous causes for these issues. It is important that you pay attention to what is happening when your elderly loved one has these issues. If the problem is happening often, you should have your elderly loved one see their doctor.
Homecare Hyde Park OH – Does Your Elderly Loved One Have Chewing or Swallowing Issues?
Below you will read about some of the common chewing and/or swallowing issues that many elderly people face. If your elderly loved one is experiencing any of these issues, schedule an appointment with their doctor.
Coughing While Eating
Has your elderly loved one been coughing while eating? This happens a lot to elderly people who have chewing and/or swallowing issues. Your elderly loved one might cough just a couple of times or they might have a coughing fit. Either way, if this is happening when they are eating or after they finish eating, it could be dangerous.
Keeping Food in Their Mouth
You or one of the homecare providers might notice that your loved one keeps food in their mouth, as well. When your elderly loved one eats, do you notice the food stays in their mouth? Are they not swallowing their food? If this is the case, there could be an issue with your elderly loved one’s esophagus or airway. It is important that they see their doctor as soon as possible.
Grumbles or Grimacing When They Swallow
Are you noticing that your elderly loved one grumbles or grimaces when they swallow? If so, this could mean your elderly loved one is in pain due to swallowing. There could be an issue with your elderly loved one’s jaw, mouth, esophagus, or something else associated with swallowing. If your loved one is in pain when swallowing, they should get an appointment with their doctor very soon. There could be a wide range of things that cause this problem.
Eating Too Quickly
When watching your elderly loved one eat, do you notice they eat very quickly? If so, your elderly loved one might not be remembering to chew before they swallow. This could be a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease or any other range of health issues. You should keep an eye on this symptom to see if it continues. If it does, be sure your elderly loved one gets an appointment with their doctor.
If your elderly loved one has chewing and/or swallowing issues, be sure they are getting seen by their doctor. There could be numerous health issues or other problems that cause this. Once a problem is diagnosed, then your elderly loved one can get treatments to help them relieve these issues.
Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3999993/
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring Homecare Services in Hyde Park OH, please contact the caring staff at Queen City Elder Care today. Serving Cincinnati and Surrounding Communities. Call Us Today (513) 510-4410.
Michele Vollmer is a visionary leader who is perpetually searching for ways to improve, so to remain at the leading edge of the home care industry.She has served in the healthcare industry since 1989, including pharmaceutical and home health sales, as well as hospice sales and sales management.
- Winter Safety Tips for Seniors - November 17, 2022
- Fun Fall Activities for Seniors In Cincinnati, OH - October 3, 2022
- National Senior Citizen Day - August 16, 2022