Detecting swallowing problems prevents pneumonia

The rate of pneumonia is lower in hospitals that have formal screening programs to detected swallowing difficulties (Dysphagia) in Stroke patients, investigators in the United States report. They say a screening program could prevent thousands of pneumonia cases and deaths.

Besides not receiving proper nutrition, Stroke patients with dysphagia are at risk for inhaling food or liquid when they try to eat, which can lead to Aspiration pneumonia, a serious complication. Several published guidelines recommend that a swallow evaluation be performed for Stroke patients before they try to eat, Dr. Judith A. Hinchey, of Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston, and associates note.

For their study, published in the medical journal Stroke, Hinchey's group reviewed records of 2,532 patients treated for Stroke between 2001 and 2003 at 15 healthcare institutions.

Aspiration pneumonia Definition
Aspiration pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs and bronchial tubes caused by inhaling foreign material, usually food, drink, vomit, or secretions from the mouth into the lungs. This may progress to form a collection of pus in the lungs (lung abscess).
For more information check Aspiration pneumonia
Six of the 15 sites had a formal dysphagia screening program. Dysphagia screening was conducted in 78 percent of patients at sites with screening programs, versus 56 percent at sites with no formal program.

At hospitals with no formal program, screening was more likely among patients with higher stroke scores, suggesting that "hospitals with a formal program include screening on all patients, whereas other hospitals may only think of performing a screen on patients who, by intuitive criteria, are at higher risk of pneumonia."

Dysphagia
Difficulty when swallowing is the sensation that food is stuck in the throat or upper chest. This may be felt high in the neck or lower down, behind the breastbone (sternum).

Considerations

Swallowing is a complex act that involves the mouth, throat area, and esophagus (tube that transports food to the stomach). Many nerves and muscles affect the correct function of these parts. Part of the act of swallowing is under conscious (voluntary) control. However, much of swallowing is involuntary.
For more information check Dysphagia