Vol 41 No. 2
Full Text:
Author(s):

Grace Yu Tik Yin, Ng Lee Beng

Published in:

The Singapore Family Physician Vol 41 No 2 - Home Care

Publication date:

1 July 2015

ISSN:

0377-5305

Abstract

Dysphagia is a common problem among the elderly either as a result of age-related loss of musculature and function involved in the act of swallowing, and/or because of neurological, degenerative, respiratory and musculoskeletal diseases that cause decreased swallowing function. Assessment for dysphagia is important to prevent serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Referral to the speech-language therapist for comprehensive assessment paves the way for proper management. The management may include diet modification, compensatory swallowing techniques, swallowing exercises or use of feeding tubes and facilitative devices.