The ability to eat and drink is such a basic skill that it is often taken for granted until you or someone you know experiences difficulty in this area. While swallowing might seem like a simple process, it is actually one of the most complex neuromuscular functions in the human body. A number of conditions can interfere with this function and cause dysphagia, the medical term for difficulty with swallowing. It is estimated that over 10 million Americans have this disorder, which can be related to conditions such as Parkinson's disease, ALS, multiple sclerosis, stroke complications, brain trauma, head or neck cancers and muscular dystrophy, to name a few. 

 

Whatever the cause, dysphagia is a serious disorder that can interfere with the patient's quality of life and lead to complications such a choking, aspiration pneumonia, dehydration and even death. Patients with dysphagia are usually told to change the way they drink and the amount they ingest in order to avoid these potential problems. Rehabmart is proud to offer an innovative product called the RiJe Cup, which is especially designed for dysphagia sufferers, and has many features to help ease symptoms and help make life a little simpler for them. 

 

Medical research about dysphagia indicates that patients need to not only limit the amount they drink, but they need to take a pause between swallows in order to avoid possible choking or aspiration of liquids. The RiJe Cup is designed with an adjustable key to dispense whatever amount of liquid is recommended for the patient to swallow (from 3ml to 11ml) whenever it is set upright. After the liquid is swallowed, the liquid in the lower cup will rise to the appropriate level in two to three seconds, which gives the patient time to clear their throat before the next swallow. The unique, tapered design of the RiJe Cup can hold hot or cold drinks and features a special cut away portion to allow room for the nose, or it can be used with a regular straw for maximum flexibility. The RiJe Cup can also handle different liquid consistencies ranging from watery drinks to more syrupy or thickened liquids.

 

 

   

 

The RiJe Cup has large, easy to grip ergonomic handles that are removable for cleaning. It is constructed with sturdy, BPA-free polypropylene and is dishwasher safe. The non-medical design of the RiJe Cup will fit in anywhere and comes in a variety of bright, cheerful colors: green, red, blue and aquamarine.

 

One of the best features of the RiJe cup is its flexible measuring system that can increase the amount of liquids the patient can tolerate over time. Hopefully, if the patient is able to gradually increase the amount of liquid he or she swallows, the individual will eventually be able to become more independent and enjoy a greater quality of life. If dysphagia patients are able to improve their ability to swallow after using the RiJe Cup, they or their loved ones will most likely never take the simple act of swallowing for granted again. 

 

 

Rachel Huber,

Medical Consumer Writer

and

Hulet Smith, OT

Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO