Aspiration pneumonia is a common complication among persons that are on long term care but may also occur in any other person. The condition is encountered when an individual inhales food contents either from the oropharynx or from the stomach. These contents end up in the lower respiratory tract. The incidence of the condition is at least three times as common in persons on long term care as it is in the general population. There a number of things one can do in aspiration pneumonia prevention.
There are a number of factors that predispose to this type of pneumonia among the patients that are on long term care. These include dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), poor oral hygiene and certain medications. Prevention focuses on dealing with each of these risk factors. Other than aspiration pneumonia, other syndromes that may result from this event include pneumonitis, obstruction and abscess formation. Pneumonia sets in when the contents that have been aspirated contain bacteria.
Approximately 15% of seniors have a problem with swallowing. The problem becomes more common as we advance in age and is estimated to be at least 50% in persons aged 80 to 89 years. This increase can be attributed to the changes that occur both anatomically and physiologically. Other conditions that may lead to the same problem include traumatic brain injury, dementia, cerebral palsy and stroke.
There are a number of things that can be done to help patients that have dysphagia. One of the most effective is to take them through posture changes and swallowing therapies. The main role of such therapies is to teach specific maneuvers that can be done to minimize the risk of aspirating. Another important intervention is dietary modification. The best form of diet for patients that are at high risk is that which has a honey-like viscosity. Tube feeding may be adopted but as a last resort.
Poor oral hygiene has been demonstrated in a majority of patients on long term care. As a matter of fact, statistics indicate that close to 70% of them have not been examined by a dentist in five years. The poor state of oral hygiene is a major contributor of aspiration. One of the major challenges that exist is that many of these patients cannot clean their own teeth. They need to be assisted on a regular basis but this assistance is often lacking.
Many of the patients who are on long term care tend to be on multiple medications some of which may hinder the swallowing function. It is important that all the drugs are evaluated before being administered. Some of the drugs that may increase the risk of aspiration include hypnotics, sedatives, antiemetics and muscle relaxants among others.
Drugs may also be used to reduce the risk of aspiration. This is achieved by either reducing the secretions or enhancing the swallowing ability. Levodopa is one of the drugs that are most important in this area. It works by increasing the levels of a chemical known as dopamine that is needed to maintain the tone of neck muscles used in swallowing. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are other useful drugs.
Aspiration pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity among patients in long term care. Although it can be treated by use of antibiotics, the general recommendation is that greater emphasis should be placed on prevention. This should be done by a multidisciplinary team that includes a physician, nurses, swallowing therapists and physiotherapists.
There are a number of factors that predispose to this type of pneumonia among the patients that are on long term care. These include dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), poor oral hygiene and certain medications. Prevention focuses on dealing with each of these risk factors. Other than aspiration pneumonia, other syndromes that may result from this event include pneumonitis, obstruction and abscess formation. Pneumonia sets in when the contents that have been aspirated contain bacteria.
Approximately 15% of seniors have a problem with swallowing. The problem becomes more common as we advance in age and is estimated to be at least 50% in persons aged 80 to 89 years. This increase can be attributed to the changes that occur both anatomically and physiologically. Other conditions that may lead to the same problem include traumatic brain injury, dementia, cerebral palsy and stroke.
There are a number of things that can be done to help patients that have dysphagia. One of the most effective is to take them through posture changes and swallowing therapies. The main role of such therapies is to teach specific maneuvers that can be done to minimize the risk of aspirating. Another important intervention is dietary modification. The best form of diet for patients that are at high risk is that which has a honey-like viscosity. Tube feeding may be adopted but as a last resort.
Poor oral hygiene has been demonstrated in a majority of patients on long term care. As a matter of fact, statistics indicate that close to 70% of them have not been examined by a dentist in five years. The poor state of oral hygiene is a major contributor of aspiration. One of the major challenges that exist is that many of these patients cannot clean their own teeth. They need to be assisted on a regular basis but this assistance is often lacking.
Many of the patients who are on long term care tend to be on multiple medications some of which may hinder the swallowing function. It is important that all the drugs are evaluated before being administered. Some of the drugs that may increase the risk of aspiration include hypnotics, sedatives, antiemetics and muscle relaxants among others.
Drugs may also be used to reduce the risk of aspiration. This is achieved by either reducing the secretions or enhancing the swallowing ability. Levodopa is one of the drugs that are most important in this area. It works by increasing the levels of a chemical known as dopamine that is needed to maintain the tone of neck muscles used in swallowing. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are other useful drugs.
Aspiration pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity among patients in long term care. Although it can be treated by use of antibiotics, the general recommendation is that greater emphasis should be placed on prevention. This should be done by a multidisciplinary team that includes a physician, nurses, swallowing therapists and physiotherapists.
About the Author:
For aspiration pneumonia prevention make sure you review the online posts. The blog you should read appears right here at http://www.swallowstudy.com.
ليست هناك تعليقات:
إرسال تعليق