Application of agar thickener in dysphagia after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract

Objective To compare a new agar thickener with xanthan gum as a thickener in treating dysphagia patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy. Methods Twenty nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with dysphagia after radiotherapy were asked to swallow moderately and extremely thick liquids thickened with the agar and xanthan gum, and their swallowing was recorded with a videofluoroscope. Results The average pharyngeal constriction ratio when swallowing agar thickener was significantly lower than when swallowing the traditional thickener. The average oral transit time, the initiation of pharyngeal swallowing were both significantly quicker. There was no significant difference in the average penetration aspiration scale scores between the two thickeners. In the subjective evaluation, the agar thickener was adjudged smoother and with better residual mouthfeel than the xanthan gum, but the scent of the xanthan gum was preferred. Conclusion The new agar thickener is smooth and not sticky. It produces faster transport with less oropharyngeal residue. It can be widely used among nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with dysphagia after radiotherapy. Key words: Thickeners; Nasopharyngeal carcinoma; Dysphagia; Agar; Xanthan gum