RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

GEL & MEDication Dysphagia

This study explores how often people with certain long-term conditions struggle to swallow their medicines. This problem, called medication dysphagia, can make it difficult for tablets or capsules to go down properly and might even lead to them getting stuck or going down the wrong way. The research aims to see if different ways of taking medicine, like using special swallowing gels or thicker foods instead of just water, can make swallowing safer and easier. Researchers will use a special camera test (FESS) to watch how medicines are swallowed. The goal is to find better ways for people with swallowing difficulties to take their medication, helping them avoid complications and improving their quality of life.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf

Enrolment target

500

Start

15 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

15 Sep 2027

Neurological Diseases or Conditions Healthy Participants

What is this study about?

Many people, especially those with certain long-term health conditions affecting their brain or nerves, find it hard to swallow food and drink. This is called dysphagia. But did you know it can also be difficult to swallow medicines? This study is looking into this specific problem, which we call 'medication dysphagia'. When someone struggles to swallow a pill, it can sometimes get stuck in their mouth or throat, or even go down the wrong way into their windpipe. This can be unpleasant and, in some cases, lead to more serious health issues like infections.

The main idea behind this research is to understand just how common medication dysphagia is among people who already have swallowing difficulties due to their health conditions. It also wants to discover if certain methods can make taking medicines easier and safer. For example, some people already try to swallow pills with thicker foods, and there's a new special gel designed to help. This study will carefully examine if these alternatives actually work better than just water.

The researchers will use a method called Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). This involves a very thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end, which is gently passed into the nose to look at the throat while someone swallows. This allows doctors to get a clear picture of what's happening and figure out the best ways to help people swallow their medicines more effectively and safely. Ultimately, the findings from this study could help improve how medicines are given to patients, making a real difference to their comfort and health.

Key takeaways

This study looks at swallowing difficulties with medicines.
It checks if special gels or thicker foods can help.
A camera test (FEES) will be used to watch you swallow.
The goal is to make taking medicines safer and easier for people with swallowing problems.
Both people with certain long-term conditions and healthy volunteers are needed.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, we're looking for two main types of people.

Firstly, we need adults who have a health condition that affects their brain or nervous system, which also causes them to have difficulties swallowing. These conditions might include things like stroke, Parkinson's disease, or other nerve-related disorders. A doctor must also think that you need a special swallowing test called FEES for your regular care.

Secondly, we also need healthy adults who don't have any swallowing problems or the health conditions mentioned above. Everyone taking part must be able to understand what the study involves and be able to give their permission to join. They also need to be able to follow the study instructions.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult aged 18 or over?
Do you have a health condition affecting your brain or nerves that causes swallowing problems, OR are you a healthy adult with no swallowing issues?
Has your doctor already said you need a FEES test (if you have a swallowing condition)?
Can you understand what the study involves and agree to take part?
Are you able to follow simple instructions for the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will likely have a special camera test called Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). During this test, a very thin, flexible tube with a camera will be gently placed through your nose down to your throat so doctors can watch you swallow. You will be asked to swallow different types of medication forms, potentially with water, thicker food, or a special swallowing gel, so researchers can observe how each works. The total duration of your participation, including any assessments, will be discussed in detail by the study team, but it will generally involve a single visit for the FEES procedure.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us learn more about how to make swallowing medicines easier and safer for people with difficulties. While there's no direct personal benefit promised, your participation will help improve care for many others in the future. The main potential risk involves the FEES procedure itself, which can be slightly uncomfortable or cause a temporary sore throat or nose irritation, though serious complications are very rare. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (3)

University Hospital Düsseldorf
Verified postcode
Düsseldorf, Germany· Recruiting
University Hospital Münster
Verified postcode
Münster, Germany· Recruiting
Hospital Osnabrücl
Unverified
Onsabrück, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'dysphagia'?

Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing food, drink, or even saliva.

What is 'medication dysphagia'?

This is specifically when someone finds it hard to swallow their medicines, like tablets or capsules.

What is the FEES test?

FEES stands for Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing. It's a test where a tiny camera on a thin tube looks at your throat while you swallow.

Will I have to eat a lot of different things?

No, you will be asked to swallow just a few different types of medication forms, potentially with water, a thicker food texture, or a special gel.

What if I change my mind about participating?

You are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Bendix FEES Labeit, MD

bendix.labeit@med.uni-duesseldorf.de 0049211 8117887 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.