Is It Just Getting Older? When to Get Help for Swallowing Difficulties

Is It Just Getting Older? When to Get Help for Swallowing Difficulties

Have you or a loved one started coughing when drinking water? Avoiding certain foods? Or feeling anxious about eating in public?

It’s easy to assume that swallowing problems are just “part of getting older.” But that’s not always true—and more importantly, help is available.

Let’s explore the signs of a swallowing difficulty (known as dysphagia), when it’s time to get support, and how the right therapy can make eating safe, comfortable, and enjoyable again.

What Is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. It can affect your ability to:

• Chew food properly

• Swallow drinks safely

• Keep food or liquid from “going down the wrong way”

• Enjoy meals without coughing, choking, or discomfort

Isn’t It Just Old Age?

While it’s true that some changes in swallowing can happen with age—such as slower muscle movements—significant problems aren’t normal.

If you find yourself needing to clear your throat after every sip or meal, or avoiding eating altogether, it’s time to take it seriously.

Common Warning Signs

You might have a swallowing problem if you notice:

• Coughing or choking during meals

• Wet or gurgly voice after eating or drinking

• Frequent chest infections or pneumonia

• Taking longer to chew and swallow

• Unexplained weight loss or dehydration

• Feeling like food is “stuck” in your throat

These signs could point to an underlying condition, such as stroke, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, or even side effects from medications.

Why It Matters

Left untreated, swallowing problems can lead to serious complications:

• Aspiration pneumonia (when food or liquid enters the lungs)

• Malnutrition and weight loss

• Fear and anxiety around eating

• Social isolation from avoiding meals with others

But with expert help, these issues can improve.

How Speech Therapy Helps

Swallowing therapy from a qualified speech and language therapist can:

• Assess your swallow safely and thoroughly

• Teach safer swallowing strategies

• Recommend food or drink changes if needed

• Strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing

• Help you eat with confidence again

At Speech Therapy Glasgow, we work with adults experiencing dysphagia due to stroke, Parkinson’s, brain injury, or other conditions. Therapy is tailored to your unique needs—with home visits, online sessions, or clinic appointments available.

Real Support. Real Results.

Many people don’t realise that speech therapists treat swallowing—not just speech. And even if your problems started months or years ago, it’s not too late to get help.

Therapy can be life-changing. It can mean:

• Enjoying a cup of tea without coughing

• Sharing meals with family again

• Feeling safe and independent at mealtimes

Don’t Wait. Get Help Today.

If eating or drinking has become stressful, uncomfortable, or scary—it’s time to get support.

📞 Book a free discovery call to chat with Helen and learn how swallowing therapy could help you or your loved one.