What might be the longer-term effects of Violet’s swallowing problems?
Weight loss – Violet is eating less as she finds it difficult and effortful. She therefore rarely finishes her meals.
Dehydration – Violet finds that her tea dribbles out of her mouth and her tea gets cold so she doesn’t finish it.
Malnutrition – Violet is avoiding several foods she finds difficult to swallow and is therefore not getting a balanced diet.
Recurrent chest infections – Some of the food and drink Violet swallows enters her airway and lungs and causes regular chest infections which makes her feel unwell.
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) – As Violet is drinking less she has developed a UTI. This is also making her muddled/confused.
Disinterest in food – Violet does not enjoy eating because of the effort involved and is frightened of choking.
Embarrassment eating in front of others – Violet feels embarrassed when she dribbles her food and coughs and chokes because it disturbs others.
Page last reviewed: 24 Nov 2020
