This small gland in your neck can cause big trouble
There is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front part of the neck called the thyroid. This small but terrible gland is in charge of making hormones that regulate heart rate, body temperature, and weight. It also controls calcium levels through the production of the hormone calcitonin.
For as long as the thyroid gland is healthy, the entire body is happy until one experiences coughing, difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in breathing, neck pain, hoarseness or change in voice, and a noticeable enlargement of the thyroid gland manifesting through a lump on the neck. These are the dreaded signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer.
Early thyroid cancer is often asymptomatic. Affected individuals are oblivious to the changes occurring in the tiny gland. It is only when the cancer cells grow do serious signs and symptoms occur. These are detrimental to the patient’s ability to get adequately nourished. Malnutrition weakens the body’s immune defenses to fight cancer cells.
Dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing occurs when an enlarged thyroid gland compresses the anatomical structures that are involved in swallowing. How does one eat while dealing with dysphagia? Nutrition intervention is a must. There is a need to modify food consistencies and texture. The way the patient eats, as well as the environment during meal times, also matters.
First, the patient must use a good posture while eating to prevent aspiration. This happens when food wrongly enters the airways instead of the throat. The food will cause an obstruction rendering an individual unable to breathe. Aspiration leads to choking, which is life-threatening. Stay in an upright position for at least 15 minutes after the last bite. Remember to take your time and do not rush meal times.
Second, one must avoid distractions while eating. It is important to focus on chewing and swallowing. It is best to limit conversations during meal times. It would also help to swallow two times to ensure that the food clears and passes through the esophagus down to the stomach. The only time that verbalization is encouraged is after drinking.
Third, avoid the use of straws or anything that will place the food in the back part of the mouth. Slowly sip from a cup instead of gulping down liquids. Thin liquids are more difficult to swallow for those suffering from dysphagia. There is a high risk of choking from liquids that are not viscous enough.
Lastly, prepare and choose moist food. Think of the texture that is similar to oatmeal, mashed potato, or pureed fruit. You may alter the textures as needed. Consider using thickeners in liquids to slow down the flow and allow the patient to safely swallow food and beverages. The goal is to form a cohesive or sticky bolus of food in the mouth. This will be easier to swallow. Commercial thickeners are available in drug stores. You can opt to make your own at home. Cornstarch, unflavored gelatin powder, pureed fruits and vegetables, rice cereal or baby food, and mashed potatoes are excellent natural thickeners.
It is recommended to seek the help of a registered nutritionist dietitian to be guided in proper nutrition intervention. This will not only ensure that the nutritional requirements are met but also that meals are more palatable despite some modifications in texture. In addition, consultation with a speech and language therapist will also help in dealing with difficulty in swallowing. There will be some exercises that need to be done during these therapeutic sessions.
If you are battling thyroid cancer, don’t take chances, get proper nutrition intervention in combination with medical intervention.