Effects of capsiate on the triggering of the swallowing reflex in elderly patients with aspiration pneumonia.

摘要

Morbidity and mortality from aspiration pneumonia continue to be major health problems in the elderly. Dysphagia, such as delayed triggering of the swallowing reflex, an important respiratory defense mechanism, predisposes subjects to aspiration pneumonia.1'3 Triggering of the swallowing reflex could be accelerated if swallowed material was warmed up, even in dysphagic patients. Moreover, it has been reported that capsaicin accelerated the swallowing reflex in patients with aspiration pneumonia.