WEEK 6 - DYSPHAGIA AND ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA

Question 1

WHAT IS DYSPHAGIA

Answer 1

Difficulty in swallowing food and liquids

Question 2

DYSPHAGIA - CAUSES

Answer 2

• Mucosal problems: dryness, trauma, pain, infection
• Neurological problems (sensation or muscular): stroke, dementia, motor neurone disease
• Blockages: cancer, infection
• Muscular problems: surgery, nerve damage

Question 3

DYSPHAGIA - SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Answer 3

• Dehydration, weight loss
• Food refusal, pain
• Repeated chest infections
• Leakage of food/liquid from mouth
• Prolonged chewing, food pooling in gum/cheeks
• Poorly coordinated tongue movements, facial asymmetry
• Choking, coughing, gurgling, heartburn, chest pain

Question 4

WHAT IS ASPIRATION PNUEMONIA

Answer 4

• When food or liquid is breathed into the airways or lungs, instead of being swallowed.

Question 5

ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA - SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Answer 5

• Chest pain.
• Coughing up foul-smelling, greenish or dark phlegm (sputum), or phlegm that contains pus or blood.
• Fatigue.
• Fever.
• Shortness of breath.
• Wheezing.