Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, is a common issue for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Here are some steps you can take to manage this problem:

1. Consult a Specialist
- Speak to your neurologist about your swallowing difficulties. They can refer you to a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for a Show Full Answer

Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, is a common issue for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Here are some steps you can take to manage this problem:

1. Consult a Specialist:
- Speak to your neurologist about your swallowing difficulties. They can refer you to a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for a thorough evaluation and treatment plan.

2. Swallowing Techniques:
- Take small sips of drinks and small bites of food.
- Change the thickness or texture of the foods you eat.
- Sit up as straight as possible when drinking and eating.
- Reduce distractions during mealtimes.
- Focus on keeping your mouth closed while eating and drinking.

3. Medication Timing:
- Eat and drink when your medication is most effective, rather than right after you take it or when it wears off.

4. Swallowing Tests:
- Ask your doctor about a barium swallow test or other swallowing studies to pinpoint where the dysfunction is occurring.

5. Managing Mucus:
- Regularly swallow saliva to control excess saliva or drooling.

6. Community Support:
- Join a community like MyParkinsonsTeam to share your experiences and get advice from others who understand life with Parkinson’s.

If you experience any severe symptoms or complications, such as choking or significant weight loss, seek medical attention promptly.

 This AI-generated response comes from MyParkinsonsTeam and other selected sources. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

How To Manage Difficulty Swallowing in Parkinson’s | MyParkinsonsTeam

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