Registered Nurses´ Association of Ontario
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Symptoms and Potential Nutrition Solutions
Symptoms:
- Dyspnea and fatigue
- Dysphagia/Dental problems
- Oral thrush due to improper
inhaled corticosteroid use
- Decreased appetite related to
impact of disease, depression
and/or social isolation
- Dyspepsia/Aerophagia
- Early satiety during meals
- Constipation
Symptom:
Dyspnea and fatigue
Solutions:
- Consider easy meal preparation.
- Prepare meals utilizing simple recipes in bulk where single portions can be frozen.
- Stocking up on prepared foods may also be an alternate solution.
- Arrangements of home delivered meals may also be a possibility.
- Encourage resting before eating and cough techniques prior to meals (if necessary).
- Encourage the individuals to eat slowly and utilize pursed-lip breathing.
- Consider use of oxygen (if indicated) at meal times.
Dysphagia/Dental problems
- Promote good dental hygiene.
- Assess denture fit and ensure adequate oral rinsing.
- Encourage high calorie, dense foods in a soft diet.
- Consider liquid nutritional supplementation.
Oral thrush due to improper inhaled corticosteroid use
- Assess oral cavity.
- Promote good dental hygiene.
- Ensure appropriate medical follow up.
- Ensure adequate rinsing of mouth post-inhaled corticosteroid. Consider liquid nutritional supplementation if individual is unable to eat.
Decreased appetite related to impact of disease, depression and/or social isolation
- Assess nutritional intake and eating habits.
- Consider alternative eating environments (e.g., church-based or communitybased volunteer programs)
- Promote easy meal preparation alternatives (e.g., meals on wheels)
Dyspepsia/Aerophagia
- Encourage individuals to eat slowly and chew food well. Smaller meals (5-6 small meals/day) are ideal for encouraging adequate nutritional intake.
- Avoid drinking while eating or carbonated beverages to prevent gas swallowing.
- Gas producing foods such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and onions should be avoided.
Early satiety during meals
- Avoid drinking liquids one hour prior to meal time.
- Cold meals instead of hot meals, as hot meals create a sense of fullness.
- Consider liquid nutritional supplementation, to compensate for inadequate nutritional intake.
Constipation
- Recommend high fibre foods and drinking of fluids.
- Promote mobility by encouraging exercise/activity as tolerated.
