The use of modified foods and fluids in the management of dysphagia

Dysphagia is the medical term encompassing a range of difficulties associated with swallowing foods, fluids and saliva, which can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, increased length of hospital stay, aspiration pneumonia and potentially death. Dysphagia can be managed through modifying foods and fluids to make swallowing safer and to optimise nutrition and hydration. Alternative routes of nutrition and fluids can include tube feeding, risk-acknowledged feeding and comfort feeding. The suitability and appropriateness of these options should be considered especially for those who are receiving palliative care or end-of-life management.