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[Dysphagia] Re: Alternative food thickeners
"Todd R. Fix" <tfix1@cfl.rr.com> wrote: Are you suggesting that from experience, that there are no patients that
aspirate on thin liquids that do not also aspirate on thickened liquids?
*** It is not a suggestion - it is a fact as several studies have shown.
Regardless of what is in print, I can tell you that I see these patients on
an almost-daily basis. I work in a VERY large trauma hospital and complete
anywhere from 7-10 fluorographic swallowing exams daily...all in which I
test effectiveness of compensatory swallow strategies (including
texture/consistency modifications).
*** I would remind you that what you see on VFSS is not what happens in real life.
Over the years, I have performed
thousands.
*** In addition to having performed innumerable studies, I also teach radiologists how to do it. I can assure you that patients aspirate thickened fluids constantly - and not always with detrimental results.
To be frank, that is all the evidence I need to convince myself
that in some patients, thickening is effective.
*** Anecdotal evidence from VFSS is, unfortunately, not acceptable as a basis on which to form management plans. It is becoming increasingly clear from the published literature that thickened fluids contribute significantly to dehydration, particularly in the elderly, a situation that is potentially lethal.
During the rehabilitative
stage, nursing and medical staff can be, and are effective in patients
meeting hydration needs on modified liquids.
*** What about patients who are not going to recover but are going to get worse? It is unfortunate that most of what has been written re dysphagia has been on stroke patients, the vast majority of whom are going to recover swallowing spontaneously and quickly.
Dr I. Campbell-Taylor
Clinincal Neuroscientist.
Dr I Campbell-Taylor
Clinical Neuroscientist
Exclusive Distributor:
www.interactivetherapy.com
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