Drug-induced dysphagia and the high-risk effect on people with intellectual disabilities.

Research indicates that aspirate pneumonia as a result of dysphagia can be one of the leading causes for episodes of hospitalisation among people with intellectual disabilities (Glover and Evison 2013). Likewise, numerous studies have identified the risk factors for individuals and ascertained the strategies required to manage swallowing disorders and minimise the risks (Wright and Howseman 2013). Yet, several types of medication have been identified in the British National Formulary as having a high-risk effect on the process of swallowing, which may often be overlooked. Furthermore, the problems associated with polypharmacy indicate that adverse drug reactions can be implicated and linked to unplanned hospital admissions (Payne et al 2014). This article highlights the need for health professionals and care providers to reduce the potential risks and side effects that prescription medications can have in relation to swallowing dysfunction in people with intellectual disabilities and who are diagnosed with long-term conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]