Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Dealing with Dysphagia? A Provale Cup can help.

Individuals who have had a stroke often develop a condition called dysphagia.  Dysphagia causes difficulties in swallowing such as aspirating or inhaling liquids when swallowing.
Normally, the muscles in your throat and esophagus contract to move food and liquids from your mouth to your stomach without problems.  But after a stroke, this complex series of contractions may not function properly.  As many as 70 percent of stroke survivors may suffer from Dysphagia according to the National Stroke Association.  
People with dysphagia aspirate when they drink, which leads to fluid trapped in their lungs.
Studies have shown that taking smaller sips when drinking reduces the likelihood of aspirating.  That is where the Provale Cup comes in handy.  The Provale Cup regulates the amount of liquid in each drink or sip; allowing only small swallows with every drinking motion.  
Click here to learn more about the Provale Cup and how it can help with Dysphagia.