Swallowing difficulty or dysphagia is the problem commonly faced by people suffering from cancer. It can occur as a symptom of oral cancer or a side-effect of chemotherapy for any type of cancer.
Although medications and surgeries play there own roles but to get those swallowing muscles in action you really need to make them exercise.
There are some maneuvers and positions that can help people suffering from dysphagia a lot:
MANEUVERS FOR DYSPHAGIA:
1. Masako maneuver:Sit upright in a chair or something and then hold your tongue between your teeth and try to swallow. It is bit difficult for someone who has difficulty in swallowing but it helps a lot in strengthening the swallowing muscles. Repeat 5-10 times.
2. Mendelsohn maneuver: Swallow and feel the movement of Adam's apple keeping your index finger and thumb around it. Now again swallow but this time when the Adam's apple reaches it's highest point of elevation, hold it up there for 3-5 seconds. Repeat 5-10 times.
3. Supraglottic maneuver: Ask the person to take a deep breath in and hold it. Now swallow but keep holding your breath while doing so. Cough immediately after swallowing before breathing. Now breath again and repeat 5-10 times.
POSITIONS FOR DYSPHAGIA:
1. Chin tuck: Chin is tucked down as if trying to make a double chin face. This narrows down the airway opening making it easier to swallow.
2. Neck side turn: While eating or specifically swallowing, keep your head turned towards the weaker side as it directs the food towards the stronger side making it easier to swallow.
3. Sitting upright: This is a well known fact that sitting upright is the best position for swallowing as there are very low chances of food coming back and gravity also assists in the movement.
Need more advice or treatment? Many health care experts at Antarnaad are always here to help you out. Antarnaad is a growing network of experienced physiotherapists, dietitians, nutritionists, fitness trainers and Yoga experts providing treatment for all the conditions. For more information visit our website www.antarnaad.net or call our Consultant: Mb: 9899700187
