| [ Summary ] |
Dysphagia may underlie problems such as malnutrition, pneumonia, aspiration, and asphyxia. When dysphagia is suspected in dialysis patients, their general condition and problems are evaluated, and dysphagia rehabilitation is instituted. Direct training for swallowing involves oral feeding under specifically set up conditions, such as type of food, posture while eating and bite size. Indirect training does not involve food. It involves ice massage, sham swallowing, relaxation of the shoulder girdle and exercise of the mouth and tongue. Since many patients who are receiving dialysis have food and water restrictions, hypertension, heart failure, malnutrition and/or autonomic disorders due to diabetes, it is important to carry out training in close cooperation with the attending physician. Nutritional care and exercise programs are used as necessary in combination with swallowing training. |