There is no good evidence that thickening liquids reduces pneumonia in dysphagia (swallowing problems) and it may be associated with poorer hydration and with an adverse effect on quality of life. Some commercial thickeners use modified maize starch, which helps support hydration and nutritional levels, while others use xanthan gum. Vendors also offer pre-thickened liquids such as water, juice, and milk in individual serving sized cartons.

There are multiple commercial thickeners on the market for thickening liquids. Patients who have a restriction on thin liquids should avoid milk shakes, ice cream, popsicles, and Jell-O as these melt into thin liquids in the mouth.

Common thin liquids include coffee, tea, clear broth, clear juice, skim milk, 2% milk, and whole milk.ġ – Slightly thick (between 9 and 6 ml pour out of a 10ml syringe in 10 seconds)Ģ – Mildly thick (between 6 and 2 ml pour out)ģ – Moderately thick (2 or less ml pour out)Ĥ – Extremely thick – drinks of this stage should require a spoon to drink and are comparable to pureed foods. Ġ – Thin liquids: Unthickened, such as water or juice. According to the IDDSI, the thickness of a drink can be tested by measuring the amount that pours out of a 10ml syringe in 10 seconds. There are several levels of consistency/viscosity and these have historically varied by country, although the launch of the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) aims to remove this variation. Liquid thickness may be measured by two methods, with a viscometer or by line spread test. Patients may be advised to consume thickened liquids after being extubated. Individuals with difficulty swallowing may find that liquids cause coughing, spluttering, or even aspiration, and that thickening drinks enables them to swallow safely. The thicker consistency makes it less likely that individuals will aspirate while they are drinking. Thickened fluids and thickened drinks are often used for people with dysphagia, a disorder of swallowing function. JSTOR ( August 2018) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message).Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. This article needs additional citations for verification.

The line spread test for viscosity