{"id":3961,"date":"2021-12-21T01:02:25","date_gmt":"2021-12-21T01:02:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oncoalicia.com\/nutrition-during-head-and-neck-cancer-treatment\/difficulty-swallowing\/difficulty-swallowing-liquids\/"},"modified":"2025-07-04T08:48:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-04T08:48:11","slug":"difficulty-swallowing-liquids","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/oncoalicia.com\/en\/types-of-cancer\/head-and-neck\/difficulty-swallowing\/difficulty-swallowing-liquids\/","title":{"rendered":"Dietary Recommendations for Difficulty Swallowing Liquids in Head and Neck Cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It is characterised by coughing or the feeling of needing to clear your throat and the sensation of choking after drinking water or other liquids. It is not common in lung cancer but may occur. Occasionally, voice changes also occur after swallowing. It is recommended to modify and adapt the viscosity\/texture of liquids, including water, to prevent these liquids from going to the lung and causing potentially dangerous lung infections.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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WHAT DO WE RECOMMEND?<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Adjust liquids to the viscosity\/texture that best suits the specific needs. <\/i>
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There are currently three types of viscosities according to the degree of dysphagia to liquids: nectar, honey, or pudding. The referring oncologist will indicate the specific viscosity to which food should be adapted to each case.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Viscosity classification for liquid dysphagia<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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viscosity<\/td>\nExamples of drinks and food<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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nectar<\/td>\nTexture similar to peach juice.
It can be drunk with a straw or a glass.
When decanted, it forms a fine filament. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n		\n\n\n\n
Tomato juice, peach juice, commercial vegetable creams, gazpacho, liquid yogurts to drink.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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honey<\/td>\nHoney-like texture.
You can’t drink it with a cane, but you can drink it with a glass.
When decanted, it forms large shapeless drops. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n		\n\n\n\n
Whipped yogurt, custard.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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pudding<\/td>\nCustard or pudding texture.
It is eaten only with a spoon.
When decanted, it falls as a shaped mass.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n		\n\n\n
Flam, curd, curd.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Ensure proper hydration by adding commercial thickeners to beverages to obtain the required viscosity. <\/i>
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There are different types of commercial thickeners, and it is essential to always follow the instructions for each one:<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Things to consider when thickening beverages with commercial thickeners<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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  • The dosage indicated on the package corresponds to the quantity needed to obtain the required viscosity in water. If we thicken a different type of beverage, the dosage to obtain the same viscosity may vary.<\/li>\n
  • It is important to respect the time the thickener needs to perform its function. The time may vary depending on the type of liquid and its temperature, so it is recommended to thicken the beverage at the same temperature as it will be consumed, respect the indicated time, and always drink it within the indicated time. This will avoid changes in viscosity due to a temperature change.<\/li>\n
  • If adding an ingredient to the beverage or mixing different beverages, it is necessary to do so before adding the thickener. Never thicken a drink and then add another ingredient.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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juices<\/td>\n\n
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  • The original viscosity of a juice is not always fully liquid, so we may need to add less thickener dosage as indicated on the packaging to achieve the required viscosity.<\/li>\n
  • Depending on the fruit or fruits used to make the juice, it may be necessary to strain the juice before thickening it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Milk and milk drinks<\/td>\n\n
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  • Getting the thickener to fully dissolve can be difficult. Generally, milk and milk-based drinks will need a longer action time to thicken.<\/li>\n
  • The thickener usually dissolves better if the drink is hot.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Plant-based beverages<\/td>\n\n
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  • The dissolution of the thickener in plant-based or vegetable drinks is usually easier than in dairy drinks, although a longer action time may also be necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Carbonated beverages<\/td>\n\n
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  • Removing the gas from any beverage containing it will help to include the thickener better.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Other beverages<\/td>\n\n