If you neglect to eat while eating, you may get pneumonia.

Many older adults choke while eating. This is because aging causes the nerves and muscles in the mouth, as well as reaction time, to deteriorate, leading to errors in the passage of food down the esophagus. How can this be prevented?

 

When food enters the mouth, the brain automatically activates the oral and esophageal muscles to push the food down into the stomach. At this time, the epiglottis (a flap-like structure covering the entrance to the larynx) closes to prevent food from entering the trachea. However, as people age, the epiglottis fails to fully block the trachea before food can pass through. This process can lead to aspiration, a process known as aspiration.

If left untreated, aspiration can progress to dysphagia, where food cannot be swallowed properly and enters the airway, or aspiration pneumonia, where food enters the lungs and bacteria multiply. Dysphagia is so common that it affects one in three older adults. Preventing aspiration can help prevent dysphagia and the progression of aspiration pneumonia.

 

To prevent choking, keep your back straight and your chin as low as possible when eating. Eat slowly to allow sufficient movement of the trachea and esophageal muscles.

 

Instead of drinking water or soup straight from the cup or bowl, use a straw or scoop up small portions with a spoon. Even if you don't choke, if you experience a feeling of fullness or a stuffy throat after eating, you should start practicing eating habits that prevent choking.

 

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I tend to get caught in that trap,

When you eat, bend your back a little

It's about lowering your chin as much as possible.

 

At the dinner table, my mother straightened her back

"Eat it because you always feel sick"

That's why good posture is important.