If dysphagia is identified following assessment by a Speech and Language Therapist a texture modified diet may be recommended. The purpose of a texture modified diet is to support the patient to take sufficient quantities of food and fluids as safely as possible whilst at the same time reducing the risk of choking and aspiration.
Texture modified diets, particularly in the early stages of swallow recovery, may not be adequate if the patient is unable to consume a sufficient quantity of nutrition. Therefore supplementation via enteral feeding and/or oral nutritional supplements may be required.
Texture modified fluids (thickened fluids) may increase the risk of dehydration; the patient may struggle to drink adequate quantities if they cannot tolerate the thicker texture. Therefore the patient’s fluid balance should be carefully monitored.
Please see Management of Dysphagia for further information.
Descriptors for texture modified food and texture modified fluids can be found in the Dysphagia Diet Food Texture Descriptors (April 2011).
The management of the transition from enteral to oral feeding and through the different stages of texture modification of diet and fluids requires close monitoring. This is to ensure the patient’s nutritional requirements and hydration needs are met either via a combination of oral intake and enteral feeding or by nutritional support using oral nutritional supplements and/or fortified foods and snacks.
Liaison between the Dietitian, Speech and Language Therapist, Doctor, nursing staff, the wider multidisciplinary team, carers and families is essential throughout these transitional stages. The patient should be involved in discussions as much as is possible.
