Symptoms Of Aspiration Pneumonia Research Articles

The Effects of Swallowing with Oropharyngeal Sensory Stimulation in Nasogastric Tube Insertion in Stroke Patients

This study was to identify the effects of oropharyngeal sensory stimulation on a functional oral intake scale, oro-pharyngeal swallowing functions, and aspiration pneumonia symptoms with nasogastric tube insertion in stroke patients. This study was a nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design. The subjects of the study were 32 patients who were hospitalized in Kosin Gaspel hospital. The experimental subjects were stimulated for 10~20 minutes, 1 time per day. The intervention was implemented for 2 weeks. Participants in the experimental group significantly received a higher score in oro-pharyngeal swallowing function than those in the control group. However the participants in the experimental group only got a high score in the function oral intake scale which doesn't imply a statistical significance. In addition, they didn't get a remarkably higher score in aspiration pneumonia symptoms than those in the control group. This study demonstrates that oropharyngeal sensory stimulation is effective in promoting recovery oro-pharyngeal swallowing function of nasogastric tube insertions in stroke patients.

Oropharyngeal dysphagia

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is not a single disease but a symptom complex that is recognized by difficulty in transfer of a food bolus from mouth to esophagus or by signs and symptoms of aspiration pneumonia or nasal regurgitation. Its etiologies are legion, with the most common result of underlying neuromuscular disease, including cerebrovascular accidents, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy. There are two methods of treatment for oropharyngeal dysphagia; one is specific and directed at the underlying disease and the other is general (supportive) and designed to preserve oral intake for nutrition while preventing aspiration pneumonia. Following a general discussion of the etiology and clinical presentation of orophyarngeal dysphagia, a description of the methods for supportive care is presented as well as the approach to the treatment of cricopharyngeal dysfunction and Zenker's diverticulum.