Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is commonly abbreviated as MS. It is a condition that affects the nerves of the body and eventually affects the brain and spinal cord. The coating of the nerves deteriorates with MS, and as a consequence impulses no longer travel along the nerves as efficiently as before developing the condition. The nerves become damaged as a result, and this is called sclerosing, or scarring. The ‘multiple’ means that more than one nerve is affected by the scarring.

The exact cause of MS is unknown, but the condition is called one of the ‘auto immune’ diseases where the body appears to fight itself. MS is more common in people exposed to some risks, such as smoking, and it appears to be more common in those people who have relatives who have had the condition. Other risk factors, such as stress, diet and solvents, have not been definitely proven to be the cause of MS, but it is always helpful to avoid these if at all possible.

Symptoms of MS are often vague, so often the condition may be present for some time before definitely being diagnosed. However, at least half of those with MS complain of visual disturbances, memory loss or difficulty concentrating, limb weakness and tingling or muscle spasms causing some difficulty coordinating movement.

Absolute diagnosis generally follows an MRI (magnetic resonance image) scan, and examination of the fluid in the brain and spinal cord, so is not undertaken lightly. These diagnostic tests are either expensive or rather unpleasant, and are only undertaken when there is likely to be clear benefit from testing.

The major benefit of a diagnosis of MS is ruling out other more sinister conditions. An acute attack or worsening of multiple sclerosis attack is generally treated with oral steroid therapy. This hopefully prevents further damage to the nerves, and helps the sufferer to recover more quickly. Other treatments are used that will modify or prevent the disease worsening, lessen the intensity of an acute attack, or try to speed the recovery from an attack. The most commonly medicine used as a disease modifier is Interferon, which often causes influenza-type symptoms, so is not always suitable for everyone.

Most people with MS have a decreased quality of life as a result of the condition, or because of the side effects of treatment, but may live with the disease for many decades.

If you or someone close to you is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis then talk to your community pharmacist. They can give you advice about best use of medicines to treat multiple sclerosis. They can also advise and supply you with aids to help manage activities of daily living, to allow independence and an active life for as long as possible.

Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)

Causes of swallowing difficulties

Swallowing difficulties can happen at any age. There are a wide range of causes for them, including:

some medicines, such as antipsychotics
heartburn and acid reflux
cancer, such as mouth or throat cancers
nervous system or brain disorders
muscle disorders
blockages or structural issues with your mouth, throat or oesophagus.

Symptoms of swallowing difficulties

Symptoms of swallowing difficulties may include:

coughing or choking when eating or drinking
bringing food back up, may be through your nose
the feeling that food is stuck in your throat
having issues chewing your food
problems with dribbling.

Swallowing difficulties can cause weight loss, dehydration and chest infections.

Diagnosing swallowing difficulties

Let your healthcare provider know if you have swallowing difficulties. They will ask you about your symptoms and check if any other health conditions you have may be the cause.

Your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist for tests. These may include a:

gastroscopy—a camera is passed down through your mouth to look at your throat and stomach
swallowing study—your throat and stomach are x-rayed as you swallow small amounts of food.

Treating swallowing difficulties

How your swallowing difficulties are treated depends on the cause and how severe it is. Treatments may include:

medicines to treat acid reflux
swallowing therapy with a speech and language therapist
making changes to what you eat and drink, such as softer foods and using thickener in drinks
using special spoons, plates and cups
surgery to widen your oesophagus.
using special medication lubricants eg Gloup to help make it easier to swallow tablets etc. For more information click here.

Self care for swallowing difficulties

As well as seeing your healthcare provider, the following tips may help you to get food or liquids into your stomach.

Sit upright in a chair—at a table is best.
Have regular small meals instead of the main large meals.
Eat or drink small mouthfuls at a time.
If your voice is gurgly when you eat or drink, give a small cough to make sure your airway is clear.
Wet food will be easier to swallow as dry food can catch in your throat.
If your food has 2 consistencies, such as fruit in juice and cereal in milk, try to mix it into 1 consistency, or eat the solid and liquid portions separately.
Concentrate on eating and avoid talking.
Hot, ice-cold or fizzy liquids are easier to swallow than room temperature liquids.
If you are told to have thickened liquids, avoid ice-cream and jelly as they thin before swallowing.
Drink from the top half of you cup to avoid tipping your head back.

Have a look at our range of Gloup medication lubricants here which can help with difficulties swallowing tablets...

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