Glass  that is very, very interesting. It is something I did not know. IÂm so glad you found something that helps.

Nina

Glass,
My sister does and I thought she was exaggerating or just plain crazy, or both LOL.
I showed this to her and she is going to try it.
Thanks Rosa

I think I get a new DR! Thick-It has been around a long time! Working in the nursing profession I have used it several times..........and it is not common as one ages to choke on thin liquid like water unless there is a medical reason behind it such as a stroke as example!
Red

Here is information:

Here is a link that might be useful: link

Oh. That's what the doctor said.

Just a warning!!! If you have difficulty swallowing or it seems to 'get stuck' going down, this is one of the warning signs of esophageal cancer....ask me how I know. This is one of the most deadly cancers along with pancreatic and liver cancer. It is usually diagnosed very late - we are lucky Rusty was diagnosed as early as he was (nagging wife).

Carolyn

Actually, Red, it IS common for older folks to develop dysphagia due to advanced age. As a speech-lanuguage pathologist who works in a nursing home treating folks with dysphagia, I have a fair amount of experience with that. Swallowing is a series of muscular contractions, and when people get weaker and have general debilitation, ALL muscle groups can be affected, including those involved with swallowing.

Thickened liquids work for many folks, but there are several strategies that can be used alternatively. If anyone develops dysphagia, your best bet is to get in touch with an SLP for assessment and treatment options.

Anjea

I just checked that link, and there was an error. It says that dysphagia only concerns the oropharyngeal or esophageal stages, not the oral stage.

There is a classification of oral dysphagia. It is characterized by difficulty chewing, manipulating the food in the mouth to form a proper bolus (the "ball" of food that we actually swallow), and residue remaining in the mouth after swallowing. Oral dysphagia is dangerous because it can lead to choking, decreased oral hygiene, and risk for infection.

Perhaps this will explain it a little better! I have also have a Nursing Background and have worked with the eldery
Dysphagia is NOT common unless there are underlying problems
and I have worked with several SP!
Red

Here is a link that might be useful: Link

I never questioned that you had encountered dysphagia in your nursing career or that you have worked with the elderly. However, dysphagia is rarely even a primary aspect of care for nurses in general, as opposed to the primary focus of SLPs in adult settings (vs. school SLPs).

My intent was not to argue with you about this, but provide a different perspective. As I am an SLP that deals SOLEY with elderly folks (and Glass's DH is 85, if I remember correctly) with 90% of my caseload being people with dysphagia, I believe I am MORE than qualified to make my statements above. I'm sorry if you disagree with them - that's your opinion.

I don't appreciate being talked down to or like I know nothing about it. Just because you've seen people with dysphagia and used Thick-It does NOT qualify you as an expert.

Anjea

Anjea,
no one is talking you down and I am sorry you took it that way and I am not expert OR SLP but I do have experience far more then just giving Thick-It and we both have our own opinions................I am sure you have a heavy caseload of elderly clients with many medical problems with dysphagia that need your services.............
Red

Thank you Red. I appreciate that.

As an aside, but to continue this thread, have you (or Glass) seen the Simply Thick stuff? It's a gel rather than the powdered products. I've not worked anywhere that uses it, but I have tried it at convention fairs. It's really good - no taste, no grainyness, etc. Check the link.

Here is a link that might be useful: Simply Thick gel thickener website