Life Changing Bubbles How Carbonated Water Offers New Hope for Dysphagia Sufferers

Introduction

A simple household item carbonated water may hold transformative potential for millions suffering from dysphagia, a condition that makes swallowing difficult and often distressing. In a compelling personal account published in the Journal of Addiction Therapy and Research, retired businessman and long-term dysphagia patient John Mirams shares how carbonated water revolutionized his eating experience after decades of struggle.
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A Global Health Concern: Dysphagia in Numbers

• Over 590 million people worldwide suffer from swallowing difficulties.
• In the UK alone, approximately 4 million individuals are affected across care homes, hospitals, and private residences.
• Dysphagia often results from aging, neurological disorders, or cancer treatments, significantly impacting nutrition, social life, and mental health.

Professor David Smithard of the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust has been leading efforts to raise awareness and improve treatment options. His team’s review on the clinical use of carbonated water (CW) suggests that while more research is needed, early findings indicate improved secretion management and safer swallowing.

Personal Triumph Through Bubbles

John Mirams’ experience is both personal and inspirational. At 86, following a suggestion from his granddaughter, he began using homemade carbonated water to assist with swallowing. The results were extraordinary:

• Drastic reduction in choking episodes with no major incidents reported for nearly a year.
• Improved digestion and reduced constipation, indirectly enhancing overall quality of life.
• Restored confidence in social settings, allowing him to enjoy meals again.

Key Insights from the Case Study

Carbonated Water’s Mechanism:
Contrary to common belief, CW does not merely help “wash down” food. Instead, it clears residual saliva and food debris from the throat preparing the airway for the next bite.

. Texture Matters:

• Avoid “claggy” foods (sticky textures).
• Introduce “crunchable” elements like ridged crisps to aid swallowing.
• Sip CW in between bites for best results.

Practical Eating Tips:

• Eat in a calm, interruption-free environment.
• Small bites (~10mm), with focused chewing.
• Adjust head position slight chin tuck and twist may aid swallowing.

Storage & Accessibility:
For consistent support, Mirams recommends small glass bottles of CW (150ml–300ml), ideally chilled and easily portable. While commercial options are limited, domestic carbonation devices can help dysphagia patients maintain access to fresh CW daily.

Medical and Institutional Support

Organizations like the British Dietetic Association (BDA) continue to highlight the importance of personalized nutrition strategies in managing dysphagia. They emphasize patient-centric care plans, including texture modification and liquid thickening but innovations like CW offer a refreshing new addition.

To support widespread implementation, care homes and hospitals may require:

• Equipment for bulk CW production.
• Staff training on safe administration.
• Regulatory approval for additive-free carbonated water.

Conclusion

The idea that something as accessible as carbonated water can drastically improve the lives of dysphagia sufferers is a powerful reminder that simple solutions often have profound impact. While further research is necessary, early success stories like John Mirams’ pave the way for broader trials and institutional adoption.

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