A person with dysphagia has trouble swallowing, explains Drugs.com. Most often seen in older adults, the condition can stem from nerve or muscle damage in the throat, blockages from esophageal tumors, as well as spasms, inflammation, or scarring, among many other causes. Those with dysphagia may also experience drooling, pain, regurgitation, gagging, acid reflux, weight loss, and more. In severe cases, a person may require emergency medical attention.
The Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services advises against the consumption of nut butters for those with dysphagia to minimize the chances of potentially life-threatening choking incidents. Experts highlight how the sticky nature of nut butters can make it easy for them to become caught in our airways and subsequently hinder respiration. Researchers from a 2020 study published in BMC Geriatrics looked at nine different soft foods of varying textures and how much swallowing effort each food required for older adults. The food items examined in the study were boiled mashed potatoes, boiled mashed sweet potatoes, boiled mashed pumpkin, mayonnaise, whipped cream, red bean paste, mango pudding, soft tofu, and peanut butter.