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DYSPHAGIA AFTER STROKE

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Up to two-third of stroke patients suffer from dysphagia: Difficulty in swallowing. Dysphagia may lead to suffocation, aspiration pneumonia, dehydration, malnutrition and weight loss. Many medications compound the problem by causing mucosal ulceration (NSAIDs, Potassium chloride, Vitamin C), dry mouth (antihistamines, antidepressants), extrapyramidal symptoms (metoclopramide, antipsychotics). When taking medications, stroke patients should stay upright for 15-30 minutes after swallowing. Place medication on the more functional side of the mouth before swallowing, reduce the total number of drugs and number of each kind of pill at any one time, use medication that can be crushed and mixed with apple sauce or other thickened fluids.