Question
If patients do not want thickened liquids with meals can they be permitted to have ice chips?
Answer
No, I would not allow ice chips during a meal especially if they aspirate thin liquids. Typically we don't chew ice chips or swallow them immediately. Generally, we allow them to partially or totally melt into a thin liquid before we swallow. I understand why patients would want ice chips but the thin liquids will easily pick up food particles and residue that is going to give them a higher risk of aspiration and possibly lead to aspiration pneumonia.
Gale Estes-Waddell, M.A., CCC-sp has over 25 years of experience working with adults and pediatrics in the acute, rehabilitation, outpatient and home health settings. Gale has developed, consulted and managed several interdisciplinary dysphagia programs. She is trained in Neurodevelopmental treatment for adults. Gale has presented nationally on topics of dysphagia and Neurodevelopmental Therapy.
Gale Estes-Waddell, M.A.,CCC-SLP
Related Courses
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Clinicians who utilize thickened liquids in their clinical practice are aware of their benefits, but what about the risks and contraindications? Advantages and disadvantages of thickened liquids are reviewed in this course with a focus on clinical outcomes, including impacts on medication administration, lung health, and hydration. Product types are evaluated to facilitate appropriate choices for individual clients.
2https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/dysphagia-in-neurodegenerative-disease-9732Dysphagia in Neurodegenerative DiseaseDysphagia is common in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease. This course discusses the underlying pathophysiology and appropriate treatment programs for each disease, as well as use of alternate methods of nutrition/hydration.auditory, textual, visual
Dysphagia is common in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease. This course discusses the underlying pathophysiology and appropriate treatment programs for each disease, as well as use of alternate methods of nutrition/hydration.
3https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/20q-in-thick-it-international-1075620Q: In the Thick of It - The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI)The importance of using IDSSI to provide standardized language when speaking about texture modification is discussed in this course. Comparisons of IDDSI and the National Dysphagia Diet (NDD), as well as IDDSI standards for pediatric vs. adult patients are presented. Additionally, potential barriers, solutions, and frequently asked questions related to implementation of IDDSI are described.textual, visual
The importance of using IDSSI to provide standardized language when speaking about texture modification is discussed in this course. Comparisons of IDDSI and the National Dysphagia Diet (NDD), as well as IDDSI standards for pediatric vs. adult patients are presented. Additionally, potential barriers, solutions, and frequently asked questions related to implementation of IDDSI are described.
4https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/back-to-basics-swallow-screening-8969Back to Basics: Swallow Screening: How, when, and whoScreening of swallow function is a well-regarded tool to identify individuals who are potentially at risk of dysphagia and in need of full swallow assessment, but the options are many and varied. This "back to basics" course will teach participants to make informed, evidence-based choices regarding appropriate screening tools specific to their particular patient populations and settings.auditory, textual, visual
Screening of swallow function is a well-regarded tool to identify individuals who are potentially at risk of dysphagia and in need of full swallow assessment, but the options are many and varied. This "back to basics" course will teach participants to make informed, evidence-based choices regarding appropriate screening tools specific to their particular patient populations and settings.
5https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/als-medications-and-oral-care-8717ALS: Medications and Oral CareThis is Part 1 of a three-part series on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This course will identify medication and complementary alternative medicine that may be used by patients to treat ALS. The importance of saliva management and mouth care as a critical component of their daily care will be discussed, along with strategies. (Part 2: Course #8719, Part 3: #8720)auditory, textual, visual
This is Part 1 of a three-part series on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This course will identify medication and complementary alternative medicine that may be used by patients to treat ALS. The importance of saliva management and mouth care as a critical component of their daily care will be discussed, along with strategies. (Part 2: Course #8719, Part 3: #8720)
