1. Oropharyngeal dysphagia in head and neck cancer: how to reduce aspiration pneumonia.
- Author
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Martin-Gonzalez, C, Gonzalez-Gimeno, M J, De-Frutos-Hernan, B, and Valor-Garcia, C
- Subjects
HOSPITALS ,DEGLUTITION disorders ,HEAD & neck cancer ,ASPIRATION pneumonia ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,LONGITUDINAL method ,NUTRITIONAL status ,DISEASE risk factors - Abstract
Objective: Oropharyngeal dysphagia is caused by difficulty in bolus preparation and transport from the mouth to the oesophagus; this may result in malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia. It has a high prevalence in head and neck cancer patients. The objective of this study is to reduce these complications using a new protocol of diagnosis and evaluation of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Method: This is a prospective study developed in a secondary hospital. All patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2021 and 2022 are subjected to this protocol: an oropharyngeal dysphagia screening test, a swallowing-related quality of life questionnaire and a flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallow. Results: A total of 72 evaluations are reported using this protocol, before and after cancer treatment, and only 1 presents with aspiration pneumonia. Conclusion: Using this protocol, the incidence of aspiration pneumonia can be reduced, and diet recommendations can be given earlier in order to maintain a patient's nutritional requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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