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does anyone else have trouble swallowing food and it feels like they're going to choke?

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
February 4
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A MyMSTeam Member

Yes....everyday....every time I eat and or drink. Do it all SLOWLY will help keep it from getting bad.

February 8
A MyMSTeam Member

@A MyMSTeam Member that’s wonderful that is worked for you . Did you have to do a modified barium test before going to the speech therapist? Would you mind sharing what the exercises were?

February 5
A MyMSTeam Member

Hello, wanted to add my experience with this issue. I was referred to a speech therapist who recommended simple neck stretches to correct this choking issue. The muscles in the neck become weak, the flap that controls swallowing and eating becomes weaker. Do the simple stretches everyday. Problem went away immediately. Consistency is the key.

February 5
MyMSTeam

Are you experiencing difficulty swallowing food and feeling like you might choke?

Yes, many people with MS experience this. About one-third of people with MS have dysphagia, which is difficulty swallowing. This can happen at any stage of the disease, not just in advanced MS.

A MyMSTeam member shared: "I was eating an Show Full Answer

Are you experiencing difficulty swallowing food and feeling like you might choke?

Yes, many people with MS experience this. About one-third of people with MS have dysphagia, which is difficulty swallowing. This can happen at any stage of the disease, not just in advanced MS.

A MyMSTeam member shared: "I was eating an apple, and the juice had me choking. I just kept coughing and coughing. ... It's like simple things having me choking." Another member described it as: "It's like I forget how to swallow, and I have to grab my water bottle to actually swallow, then I'm okay. But it's pretty scary --- it's like I could choke."

Why does this happen?

MS can damage nerves in the brain stem that control the muscles in your tongue and throat. This makes these muscles weak and uncoordinated, leading to swallowing problems. Some people also experience numbness in the mouth or throat, which adds to the difficulty.

Common symptoms include:

* Coughing or choking when eating or drinking
* Feeling like food is stuck in your throat
* Taking longer to finish meals
* Having trouble controlling saliva

What can help:

* Cut food into small pieces
* Eat slowly and take your time
* Take sips of liquid between bites
* Sit upright while eating
* Avoid dry, crunchy, or sticky foods
* Consider softer foods or thickened liquids

It's important to talk to your neurologist about this. A speech-language pathologist can evaluate your swallowing and recommend specific exercises or strategies. This is serious because swallowing problems can lead to aspiration (food going into your lungs) or nutritional issues.

February 4
A MyMSTeam Member

Thankyou you Dear Ellen
I'm. So Glade thinking of you inmy prayers for march
Bless you.....

February 8

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