Actor Salman Khan recently spoke about his long battle with trigeminal neuralgia, a severe nerve condition affecting the face. On the talk show Two Much, he described how the illness impacted his daily routine for over seven years. He first noticed symptoms in 2007 on the set of the film Partner when co-star Lara Dutta touched his face, triggering sharp pain. Initially mistaken for a dental issue, it was later confirmed as nerve damage. Khan called it the worst pain imaginable, referring to it as the 'suicidal disease' due to the high number of suicides linked to this condition. Simple activities like eating became exhausting; breakfast alone took him an hour and a half. Medical experts emphasise that managing trigeminal neuralgia requires careful lifestyle adjustments, including choosing soft foods, gentle oral hygiene practices, and avoiding extreme food temperatures to minimise pain triggers.
Daily Life and Dietary Adjustments for Pain Management
For individuals with trigeminal neuralgia, planning meals around food texture is essential. Dr Palleti Siva Karthik Reddy, a consultant physician, explains that soft, smooth foods requiring minimal chewing are safest. Well-cooked vegetables, mashed items, soups, smoothies, and soft grains help reduce nerve pressure. Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods should be avoided as they may trigger sudden pain. Eating smaller, frequent meals instead of large portions eases strain on facial muscles. Temperature sensitivity is also common, so lukewarm or room-temperature foods are recommended. Hot dishes should cool slightly, and icy beverages avoided. Using a straw can direct liquids away from sensitive mouth areas. Gentle oral care with soft-bristled brushes and alcohol-free mouthwashes further helps manage discomfort.
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