Have we ever thought about how will we feel if we cannot swallow food properly? We eat and drink foods comfortably and safely, and we take it for granted. But the scenario is a little bit different for the cancer patients.

Cancer and cancer treatment cause difficulty swallowing, and it is a widespread side effect among cancer patients. The problem is termed dysphagia.

Dysphagia mostly happens in patients with head and neck cancer because the tumor puts some pressure on the esophagus and interferes with the swallowing process.

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy also cause dysphagia. Mouth soreness from chemotherapy creates difficulties in swallowing. A dry mouth, scarring in the digestive tract, mouth soreness, and pain from radiotherapy also interfere with the swallowing.

Cancer patients cannot eat properly, and that’s why they do not get enough calories and lose weight. This will weaken them further and exacerbate their condition. During cancer treatment, it’s essential to manage swallowing difficulties. Oncologists recommend some medications and strategies to reduce this discomfort.  Apart from this, the following tips may help cancer patients manage dysphagia.

Eating practice

• Eat soft (which are easy to swallow) food
• Avoid larger meals and opt for smaller, more frequent meals
• Take small bites instead of large bites
• Drink plenty of liquids
• Use a straw for liquid foods
• Eat calorie- and protein-rich food
• Sit upright when you are eating or drinking
   

Add these food items and techniques to your diet

• Mashed food or puree
• Thicker liquids than thinner liquids
• Scrambled egg
• Cooked oats
• Add some gravy to certain foods for easy swallowing
• Use a blender to mash certain foods
• Eat cold rather than hot food (it will help reduce the pain during swallowing)

Do not eat

• Beverages
• Spicy food
• Hard and dry foods
• Acid-rich food items
• Raw vegetables