Managing MS Symptoms

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing. Commonly, it can be mild choking, most commonly with liquids but can also be quite severe. It is a concern because it can put airways at risk, adding risk for choking and infection in the lungs.

Swallowing is a series of reflex activities, coordinated to propel food along digestive tract. The variation of MS involvement offers the potential for a wide variety of swallowing difficulties. A delay in triggering the swallow response is common, causing difficulty with liquids. A weakened pharyngeal wall contraction may result in food being left behind after a swallow. Food aspiration in small amounts can pose risk of infection to lungs. In extreme cases, the potential for airway obstruction, suggests that family members be trained in CPR techniques. Ideally a swallow study done by a trained health care professional can isolate the problem and design compensatory strategies for management. Identification and assessment of swallowing difficulties by speech language pathologist, using videofluoroscopy may be very useful.

Key Healthcare Professionals:
Speech language pathologist

Symptom Management:
Treatment will focus on rehabilitative strategies and may include interventions in posture, thermal -tactile stimulation, counseling about eating habits, and voluntary swallow strategies. Rest before eating may also be helpful.

Other Resources:

An MS Society of Canada website that provides information on a variety of topics. Information is provided by a range of North American experts who respond to inquires from individuals affected by MS.

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