Cancer: Managing Eating Problems During Cancer Treatment: Cancer Center: UI Health Topics

Managing Eating Problems During Cancer Treatment

Difficulty Swallowing and Chewing

Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed by Cancer Center Staff
Creation Date: September 2003
Last Revision Date: February 2007

Swallowing may become a problem following chemotherapy or radiation to the neck and chest. Infections, such as thrush, may also cause difficulty with swallowing. Hints to help are:

Ask a speech therapist to suggest swallowing hints.
Drink 6 - 8 cups of fluid daily, thickening if necessary for easier swallowing.
Avoid dry foods; add sauces to tender meat and vegetables.
Blend beef and other protein foods with bouillon.
Chase a solid bite of food with a sip of fluid.
Sit upright when eating or drinking.
Eat small, frequent meals.
Drink liquid supplements if necessary to meet nutritional needs.

Last modification date: Tue Mar 20 16:27:46 2007
URL: http://www.uihealthcare.com /topics/medicaldepartments/cancercenter/eatingproblems/swallowing.html