Assessment And Management of Dysphagia
- Author:
Grace Tik Yin Yu
;
Lee Beng Ng
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Dysphagia;
Aspiration;
Aspiration Pneumonia
- From:The Singapore Family Physician
2015;41(2):11-16
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Dysphagia is a common problem among the elderly either as a result of age-related loss of musculature and function involved in the act of swallowing, and/or because of neurological, degenerative, respiratory and musculoskeletal diseases that cause decreased swallowing function. Assessment for dysphagia is important to prevent serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Referral to the speech-language therapist for comprehensive assessment paves the way for proper management. The management may include diet modification, compensatory swallowing techniques, swallowing exercises or use of feeding tubes and facilitative devices.
