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A member asked:
Why is water thickened for those who could choke on plain water? causes? and what is the thickening agent?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
Swallowing problems: Swallowing without choking is a complex act requiring the coordination of many muscles. Liquids can sneak past the seal muscles need to make to prevent passages of liquids into the air tube (trachea) instead of the food tube (esophagus). When muscles are weak (due to a stroke) liquids in the trachea cause choking. Xanthan gum is the thickening agent.
Answered 9/17/2015
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