What to do if the patient can't eat

Being sick can be very painful. Whether it is a major illness or a minor illness, it will generally lead to loss of appetite. People should pay attention to their diet during illness and must control it well. Not eating will cause the body to be unable to bear it, and the decline in physical fitness will make the condition more serious. Food can help us supplement vitamins, trace elements and improve antibody capabilities to fight and prevent diseases. If the patient can't eat, how should we arrange his diet?

1. Eat light food. These foods need to be soft, smooth, high in calories and protein (such as pudding, ice cream, yeast milk, milkshakes, etc.).

2. Eat in small bites, and wait until each bite is completely swallowed before taking the next one.

3. Use a straw to drink liquids or liquid foods.

4. Mash or puree food (such as meat, cereals, fresh fruits, etc.) to make it as soft as baby food, and add appropriate amount of water before blending.

5. Freeze food (coldness numbs pain) or provide cold or warm food. (If cold liquid food makes esophageal pain worse, eat food at room temperature)

6. Soak the bread in milk until soft.

7. Eat small meals frequently. Moist snacks may be easier to swallow.

8. Crush pills or tablets and mix with juice, jelly or pudding. (Check with your doctor or pharmacist first, as some medications can be dangerous if crushed or broken, and others can interact harmfully with certain foods.)

9. Quit drinking alcohol and avoid hot, spicy or liquid foods.

10. Avoid eating hard dry foods such as crackers, nuts, toasted bread slices and potato chips.

11. Sit upright with your upper body when eating and drinking, and maintain this posture for several minutes after eating.

12. Avoid eating hard dry foods such as crackers, nuts, toasted bread slices and potato chips.

Actions for caregivers

Provide soft, moist food. Stewed eggs, salads, and thick liquid foods (such as fermented milk) may be easier to swallow.

Avoid hard-to-chew foods or raw, crunchy vegetables.

Seasonings and gravy can make minced meat easier to swallow.

Patients should seek medical help if they experience any of the following:

☆ Nausea, coughing, or choking that is worse than usual, especially when eating or drinking.

☆ Severe sore throat.

☆ Redness of mouth and tongue, no tongue coating, ulcers in mouth or on tongue.

☆ Oral temperature exceeds 37.5℃.

☆ Difficulty breathing.

☆ Unable to swallow any medicine or food.