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Suggest Treatment For Severe Swallowing Difficulty While Having Parkinson's Disease

Posted on Tue, 5 Jul 2016

Question: I have parkinsons .early today I choked on my grapefruit badly, husband had to put finger in my throat. Concerned swallowing bit worse. I eat ok except dry bread etc.
Any tips or exercises to help please ?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Simple exercises and eating slowly would help

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

I am Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist and would try my best to help you.

Swallowing may occasionally get affected in Parkinson's disease (PD), however, severe swallowing difficulty is uncommon.

Firstly, the eating speed should be reduced.

Dry food may have more difficulty, so, avoid very dry stuff.

Simple exercises such as movements of lips, tongue and jaw, several times a day would help.

You can also take a sip of water and try to swallow several times per day.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (44 minutes later)

Thanks for quick reply.,ate'my, lunch slow, even had big tablet.
Wary of grapefruit ,now.,,! XXXX

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Best wishes,

Detailed Answer:
Am glad you had your lunch,

Thanks and best wishes,
Please get back if you require any further information.

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar