Symptom 10: Swallowing Difficulties – An Unseen Struggle
Among the diverse symptoms of PLS, swallowing difficulties or dysphagia is a significant one. It can range from mild discomfort to a substantial challenge in swallowing food and drink, severely affecting nutrition and hydration.
Swallowing is a complex process that involves many muscles and nerves working together in a precise sequence. In PLS, the degeneration of motor neurons disrupts this sequence, leading to difficulties in swallowing.
Dysphagia can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and even aspiration pneumonia, where food or drink enters the lungs instead of the stomach. It can also cause stress and anxiety around mealtimes and impact social interactions that revolve around food.
A multi-disciplinary approach is usually needed to manage dysphagia in PLS. This can involve working with a dietitian to modify diet and fluid consistency, using swallowing techniques taught by a speech-language pathologist, and in severe cases, considering alternative methods of nutrition.
Living with dysphagia involves making safety a priority during mealtimes. By adapting and finding ways to manage swallowing difficulties, individuals with PLS can continue to enjoy food and maintain their nutritional health. Remember, early recognition and comprehensive management can go a long way in maintaining a high quality of life, even with PLS. (10)
