SOLUTIONS FOR DYSPHAGIA
for the health and social health sector
Dysphagia , or saliva from the mouth to the stomach. It can affect one or more phases of swallowing and manifest as coughing during meals, a feeling of food being stuck, difficulty chewing, voice changes (gurgling), or choking.
The causes can be neurological, muscular, degenerative, or structural, such as stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, trauma, tumors, or physiological aging. Dysphagia is particularly common in the elderly and in frail or hospitalized patients.
Early recognition is crucial because dysphagia can cause serious complications, including malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, and aspiration of food or liquids into the airways, resulting in a risk of aspiration pneumonia. For this reason, it is important to observe any signs of difficulty feeding and promptly report them to your doctor or other specialized healthcare professionals.
Early detection of dysphagia risk is possible through scientifically validated screening tools such as the EAT-10 test.
TheEAT-10 (EAT-10) is a short screening questionnaire used to quickly and easily identify possible swallowing difficulties that may be associated with dysphagia. It consists of 10 questions that assess difficulties related to the intake of solid and liquid foods, swallowing safety, and the impact of the disorder during eating. The questionnaire can be completed independently by the patient or with the support of a caregiver or healthcare professional (HCP).
For each question, a score from 0 to 4 is assigned:
0 = no problem
4 = serious problem
The scores of the 10 questions are added together: a total score of 3 or higher may indicate the presence of dysphagia and the need for specialist evaluation. The test takes just a few minutes and is easy to use, even in healthcare facilities or at home.
Prevention: Allows for early recognition of swallowing difficulties and a potential risk of dysphagia.
Immediacy: Promotes timely referral to a doctor or speech therapist for further evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Speed: Takes only a few minutes to complete.
Sensitivity: Allows for the reliable identification of individuals at risk of dysphagia.
OBJECTIVE: The EAT-10 test helps assess your swallowing difficulties. It may be important to talk to your doctor to determine the appropriate treatment for your symptoms.
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer each question by marking the number corresponding to the severity of the symptom. Consider 0 = no problem and 4 = serious problem.