Case+History-+++co-morbidities+&+medications


 * Case History: **
 * co-morbidities and medications **

Past diagnoses may indicate a past problem with swallowing (which is discussed in more detail here ) and current medical conditions may also be contributing to swallowing difficulties or may affect treatment options (Cichero, 2006; Groher & Crary, 2010).  (3;g, 3;h, 3;i)

Diagnoses or health conditions which may exacerbate the patient’s symptoms and have implications for treatment options include:

- Past surgery of the head and/or neck (not to remove the current cancer) - Neurological injury (stroke, TBI) - Burns - Infectious diseases - Trauma - Tracheostomy - Gastroenterology - Degenerative diseases (Parkinson’s disease, Dementia, MND) - Cerebal Palsy - Poliomyelitis - Myasthenia gravis - Severe respiratory compromise - Pneumonia (past or present symptoms of) (Cichero, 2006; Groher & Crary, 2010)

Note: As stated previously although some of this information can be gained from the medical notes it is prudent to ask the patient of any other health issues they may be currently facing as these may have not been previously picked up

5 5  5  5  5  5  Current respiratory condition:
 * ** CO-MORBIDITIES & OTHER FUNCTIONING ** ||
 * Co-morbidities (e.g. smoking/alcohol/diabetes/hypertension): 555555555555555555555555555555555555

5 5  5  Previous pneumonia:

5 5  5  Cognitive function (Previous neurological events):

5 5  5  5 || 5  5  5 || Independence – toileting / transfers:
 * Vision: 55555555555555555555555555555555555 Hearing: 55555555555555555
 * Mobility

5 5 ||

Next to note are what medications the patient is currently taking, both because of the cancer or surgery as well as for any other health issues. Medications may either acerbate the symptoms of dysphagia and affect treatment options and success (Kendall, 1997).

Although SLTs are not expected to have expert pharmalogical knowledge, they should have an awareness that certain types of medications can effect swallowing function (Cichero & Murdoch, 2006; Leonard & Kendall, 1997).

5 5  5  5  5  5
 * Current Medications 555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555 55555

Effect on swallowing?

55 5  5  555  5  555  5 ||

This document lists the main effects medication can have on swallowing:



The following book is really handy to have in your bag as a reference point of medications that are liked to dysphagia, because there’s no way to remember all of them:

Carl, L. L., & Johnson, P. R. (2006) Drugs and Dysphagia: How medications can affect eating and swallowing. Austin, TX: Pro-ed.

[|Link to Amazon page] where you can buy the book

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