Follow-up of Dysphagia in the Elderly-Clinical Survey of Deglutition Disorder at a Private ENT Office-

In a one-year-plus follow-up study in 17 of 26 cases involving apparent liquid aspiration during videoendoscopic screening, subjects were instructed in swallowing using video images and in choosing food, utensils, and posture. The amount of sputum decreased in 10 case (59%), and sputum sticking in the throat disappeared in 4 (18%). Body weight also increased in 4 (24%). Choking coughs noted in 11 during initial videoendoscopy disappeared in 2 (18%). We thus, concluded that detecting dysphagia symptoms early and providing follow-up could help prevent aspiration pneumonia.