| [ Summary ] |
The number of dialysis patients with dysphagia is increasing, mainly because of frequent cerebrovascular complications due to aging society demographics. Dysphagia could present troublesome difficulties, including malnutrition and life-threatening complications such as aspiration pneumonia. For the better management of patients' diet therapy, the selection of appropriate foods, cooking methods and patients' positions are important. Foods with the proper viscosity will make swallowing easy in many cases. It is also important to maintain intake of sufficient nutrients, and maintain sodium, potassium and phosphate limitations. Personal taste is also to be considered. Oral intake is the first choice, but tube feeding, gastrostomy or intravenous nutrition are altanative methods in severe caces. |