An infection of the lungs called aspiration pneumonia may also occur, as can malnutrition and dehydration.
To avoid these dysphagia-related complications, the evaluation of neurological illness often involves a formal swallowing assessment.
This can help identify dysphagia before complications occur.
Verywell / Joshua Seong
Exercising your swallowing muscles is the best way to improve your ability to swallow.
While you do this, check that not to raise your shoulders.
It is best to do this exercise three to six times per day for at least six weeks.
Hyoid Lift Maneuver
This exercise will help you build swallowing muscle strength and control.
Then place a straw in your mouth and suck one of the pieces of paper to its tip.
This will release the paper into the container.
Your goal for each session is to place about five to 10 pieces of paper into the container.
Mendelsohn Maneuver
This simple exercise is very effective at improving the swallowing reflex.
It involves swallowing your own saliva.
To do this exercise, keep your Adam’s apple elevated for about two to five seconds each time.
In essence, the exercise consists of swallowing.
You do not need to swallow food during the exercise.
Just a dry swallow will do.
Perform this exercise five to 10 times, three times per day to strengthen your muscles.
Supraglottic Swallow
You should try this exercise without food first.
After you take that deep breath, bear down while swallowing.
The pressure generated helps with swallowing and increases the strength of your swallowing muscles.
Buchholz DW.Dysphagia associated with neurological disorders.Acta Otorhinolaryngol Belg.
2016 Jun;47(6):e98-e169.
Updated December 18, 2020.
