How to treat degenerated swallowing function in the elderly

Nov 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

Common treatments for age-related swallowing dysfunction in elderly individuals include swallowing rehabilitation exercises, adjustment of food consistency, use of thickening agents, physical therapy support, and nasogastric tube feeding. These interventions are guided by professional rehabilitation therapists and involve exercises such as tongue movements, cheek puffing, and dry swallows to strengthen the muscles of the throat and improve coordination. They help enhance the swallowing reflex and require long-term adherence to effectively improve swallowing ability.

Common treatments for swallowing dysfunction in the elderly generally include swallowing rehabilitation training, dietary modification, use of thickening agents, physical therapy support, and nasogastric tube feeding. Specific details are as follows:

1. Swallowing Rehabilitation Training: Conducted under the guidance of a professional rehabilitation therapist, this includes exercises such as tongue movements, cheek puffing, and dry swallowing to strengthen the muscles of the throat and improve coordination and swallowing reflexes. Long-term adherence is required to enhance swallowing ability.

2. Dietary Modification: Food should be prepared in soft, easily swallowable forms, such as porridge or pureed vegetables, avoiding dry, hard, or highly sticky foods. Eating speed should also be controlled to reduce the risk of choking and aspiration, ensuring safe meals.

3. Use of Thickening Agents: For individuals who tend to choke when drinking water or consuming liquids, specialized thickening agents can be added to increase the viscosity of food, thereby slowing its flow through the throat and helping older adults better control the swallowing process.

4. Physical Therapy Support: Techniques such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation are used to stimulate throat muscle contractions, promoting nerve repair and muscle function recovery related to swallowing. This treatment must be administered in professional facilities according to prescribed courses.

5. Nasogastric Tube Feeding: Suitable for elderly individuals with severely impaired swallowing function who cannot safely eat by mouth. Nutritional formulas are delivered directly into the stomach via a nasogastric tube to ensure adequate nutrition intake. The possibility of discontinuing tube feeding can be reassessed once swallowing function improves.

When caring for older adults with swallowing difficulties, it is important to provide a quiet eating environment and avoid distractions during meals. Regular follow-up assessments of swallowing function should be conducted, and treatment plans adjusted based on progress. Seek immediate medical attention if frequent choking, fever, or other concerning symptoms occur.

View All

What causes phlegm in the throat?

Under normal circumstances, the term "throat" refers to the pharynx. Possible causes of phlegm in the throat include increased mucus secretion, weakened swallowing function, the common cold, bronchitis, and chronic pharyngitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. To help prevent this symptom, it is advisable to maintain proper indoor air humidity in daily life.

View Full Answer

How to tell if the throat is inflamed

In general, whether the throat is inflamed can be determined through self-perception and visual examination. Key methods include sensing soreness in the throat, observing the appearance of the pharynx, paying attention to swallowing function, monitoring changes in voice, and checking for secretions. If signs of throat inflammation are detected, it is important to allow the throat adequate rest, reduce the frequency of speaking, and avoid loud talking or shouting.

View Full Answer

What to do about swallowing dysfunction after cerebral infarction

Under normal circumstances, the main treatments for swallowing dysfunction after cerebral infarction include swallowing function training, dietary adjustments, physical therapy, medication, and traditional Chinese medicine therapy. In addition, patients should undergo regular assessments of swallowing function during treatment, and the treatment plan should be adjusted according to the recovery status. Family members should closely monitor the patient's eating condition; if symptoms such as frequent coughing or fever occur, medical attention should be sought promptly.