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Swallowing Concerns
I noticed recently that I have trouble swallowing liquids and either cough or choke when I drink big gulps of water.
Does any of this happen to you? What remedies do you have?
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5 Replies
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I was told water has a low viscosity (The viscosity of a fluid is a measure of its resistance to deformation at a given rate. For liquids, it corresponds to the informal concept of “thickness”: for example, syrup has a higher viscosity than water) so I drink water slowly, through a straw. Sometimes I still choke and cough. That leads to people offering me more water but I refuse it and then have to explain water make me choke. Most people don’t understand how chewed food goes down ok but water causes choking. Actually I don’t understand it but there is a reason. Oh, I also swallow pills and then drink water if the pills are not too big.
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Choking is common with ataxia. I did a swallow study and found that my esophagus is paralyzed. I was told a speech pathologist can teach you ways to avoid it, not curing it but teaching methods to reduce the risks. That said, I do not see a speech therapist due to the expense even with insurance (my sons medical issues are priority).
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@tina1995 I do the same thing when swallowkng pills!
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@cheryl-browning thats understandable. Were you able to look at techniques online?
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@christina-logan honestly I never even looked tho I really need to! Thank you!!
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