Some causes of dysphagia cannot always be prevented, such as neurological conditions or disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis). However, a person may be able to reduce risk or alleviate the condition in some cases by practicing the following:

• Eating slowly and chewing food thoroughly.
  
  
• Sitting upright while eating.
  
  
• Eating smaller meals. This helps prevent the stomach from being too full, which causes reflux.
  
  
• Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
  
  
• Pureeing foods to ease problems swallowing.
  
  
• Remaining standing or upright for 15 to 20 minutes after eating a meal.
  
  
• Avoiding talking while eating to prevent worsening of dysphagia.
  
  
• Avoiding foods that cause reflux, such as spicy foods and fatty foods. Also, avoiding very cold or hot beverages and foods, which may promote dysphagia.
  
  
• Avoiding meals too close to bedtime. Lying down immediately after eating can worsen symptoms. Therefore, meals should be consumed at least two to three hours before bedtime.
  
  
• Washing hands. Hand washing helps to reduce the potential of spreading infectious diseases that may result in sore throat and dysphagia (e.g., influenza).
  
  
• Avoiding or reducing cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, especially when sick. Tobacco smoke, including secondhand smoke, contains hundreds of toxic chemicals that can irritate the sensitive lining of the throat and cause difficulty swallowing. Alcohol can also inflame the throat.
  
  
• Using lemon juice and vinegar instead of commercial cleaning products that typically contain chemical irritants that can worsen dysphagia.