This section provides information and practical resources to support people living with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties), as well as their families and carers.
If you or someone you care for has difficulty swallowing, you may be advised to use modified foods and fluids to make eating and drinking safer.
Understanding Dysphagia and IDDSI
The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) is a globally recognised framework used to describe different food textures and drink thickness levels.
Our Speech and Language Therapy team has created a series of short videos to help you:
- Understand dysphagia
- Prepare modified foods and drinks safely
- Test food textures and fluid thickness
- Explore meal and snack ideas for each level
Video guides
- Introduction to eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties
- Thickening fluids
- Level 3 – Liquidised foods
- Level 4 – Pureed foods
- Level 5 – Minced and moist foods
- Level 6 – Soft and bite-sized foods
- Level 7 – Easy to chew foods
- Level 7 – Regular foods
Introduction to eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties
Thickening fluids
Level 3 – Liquidised foods
Level 4 – Pureed foods
Level 5 – Minced and moist foods
Level 6 – Soft and bite-sized foods
Level 7 – Easy to chew
Level 7 – Regular foods
IDDSI Information and handouts
International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative
IDDSI provides practical guidance for:
- People with swallowing difficulties
- Carers and families
- Healthcare professionals
There are separate resources for:
- Adults
- Babies and children
These handouts include:
- Detailed explanations of each IDDSI level
- Testing methods for food and drinks
- Examples of suitable foods
- Foods and textures to avoid
Hydration and fluids
- Level 0 – Thin fluids (PDF)
- Level 1 – Slightly thick (PDF)
- Level 2 – Mildly thick (PDF)
- Level 3 – Moderately thick (PDF)
- Level 4 – Extremely Thick (PDF)
Diet Texture Levels (Adults)
Guidance on food textures:
- Level 4 – Pureed (PDF)
- Level 5 – Minced and moist (PDF)
- Level 6 – Soft and bite sized (PDF)
- Level 7 – Easy to chew (PDF)
- Level 7 – Regular (PDF)
Medication and swallowing
If you have difficulty swallowing tablets or medication, support is available.
Find out more about medication options for adults with swallowing difficulties.
Useful resources
NHS Choices
NI Direct
Public Health Agency
Recipe ideas and nutrition support
Find inspiration for suitable meals and snacks: