Coughing during swallowing is a completely natural and physiological defence mechanism that protects the airway and happens to all of us. However coughing can become a concern if it begins to cause distress to the individual experiencing the it or if it puts them off eating and drinking.
Follow the advice in the Eating and drinking strategies leaflet.
Trialling naturally thick liquids e.g. milkshakes or smoothies may reduce the frequency of coughing on fluids.
If coughing continues, complete a swallow diary to document frequency and refer to Speech and Language Therapy.
Do not thicken fluids without a Speech and Language Therapy assessment.
When completing a referral ensure you have documented the changes you have actioned prior to referral on the Managing dysphagia checklist and attached this to the referral. Referrals without this checklist will not be accepted at triage.