Having difficulty swallowing

Having certain types of cancer, or undergoing treatment for cancer, can affect your ability to swallow. This is known as dysphagia.^1,2 Having dysphagia may mean you aren’t able to eat or drink as well as you used to, which can lead to weight loss and dehydration.³

What causes difficulty swallowing?

Cancers that might affect your ability to swallow include cancers found in the head and neck area, including the mouth, nose and throat. Treatments that sometimes cause difficulty swallowing include surgery or radiotherapy to the head and neck area, or treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy for other types of cancer.¹

Signs of difficulty swallowing include:^3,4

• Coughing or choking when eating food or having a drink
• Bringing food back up
• Having a feeling that something is stuck in your throat
• Having a wet-sounding voice or gurgling when food eating or drinking
• Feeling like food or drink has ‘gone down the wrong way’

If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing, there are a few different ways to approach it depending on how serious it is.³

How to cope with difficulty swallowing

For some, the cause may need to be treated. This is the case if the cancer is blocking the food pipe (also known as the oesophagus), if an infection is causing the problem, or if the food pipe needs to be widened.^3,5

If the cause can’t be treated, it’s important to find ways to continue to eat and drink despite the swallowing difficulties. For example, some people find it easier to have blended or pureed foods, whereas others prefer to eat smaller meals and snacks throughout the day instead of eating big meals.⁵

Below we’ve pulled together some tips that may help you cope with swallowing difficulties:^2,5

• Choose foods that are soft and smooth – you might prefer less flavourful foods during this time
• Make sure the foods you are choosing are high in calories and protein – for example, cream-based soups, ice cream, full fat yoghurts
• Eat slowly and make sure you chew the food well
• Take small bites of food and make sure you have swallowed all of each mouthful before taking another bite
• Mash, puree or blend food to make a thick liquid consistency
  • If you don’t already have a blender or food processor, you may wish to get one
• Use a straw for liquids and soft foods
• Make sure you are sitting upright when eating and drinking, and stay there for some minutes after eating
• Dip dry foods, like bread, in something wet such as a sauce or gravy, to soften them
• Speak to your GP about nutritional supplements – these can help you meet your energy needs when you are struggling to eat food
• If you are experiencing pain when swallowing, you may wish to take painkillers before meals

For some people, swallowing therapy may be suggested. This involves working with a specialist therapist who will be able to help with swallowing and help you to avoid choking. For people who are struggling, they may suggest using a feeding tube until the swallowing improves.^2,3

It’s important to tell your doctor if you are having trouble swallowing, eating or drinking. They will be able to offer support based on your individual needs. Remember, for some people, difficulty swallowing is only temporary – so while it’s frustrating, you may be on the road to recovery soon.¹