Dealing with dysphagia
GM, 38, October, 2008
A substantial proportion of older people have problems swallowing that can inhibit effective adherence
to solid oral treatment regimens. Causes of dysphagia include reductions in gastrointestinal motility
with age, consequences of age-related diseases, and side-effects of other treatments. Patients are
sometimes advised to open capsules or to crush tablets to aid swallowing, but this practice is contrary
to guidelines, largely because interfering with some formulations can alter their pharmacokinetics.
Because of these compliance issues and because dysphagia is an alarm symptom, doctors should be
aware of and enquire about older patients’ ability to swallow as part of the standard consultation.
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