From the Guidelines
Deconditioning can indeed cause swallowing problems, and it is essential to address this issue to prevent complications such as aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, and dehydration. When a person experiences physical deconditioning due to prolonged bed rest, illness, or lack of activity, the muscles involved in swallowing can weaken, leading to dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) 1. This occurs because swallowing is a complex process requiring coordination of multiple muscle groups, including those in the mouth, throat, and esophagus. When these muscles lose strength and coordination through disuse, the swallowing mechanism becomes less efficient.
Some key points to consider:
- Patients who have been hospitalized for extended periods, those with neurological conditions, or elderly individuals who become increasingly sedentary are particularly vulnerable to deconditioning-related swallowing problems 1.
- To address deconditioning-related swallowing problems, speech-language pathology intervention is typically recommended, focusing on swallowing exercises to strengthen relevant muscles, such as tongue exercises, jaw exercises, and specific swallowing maneuvers 1.
- Maintaining proper nutrition and hydration during recovery is essential, sometimes requiring temporary dietary modifications such as thickened liquids or softer foods 1.
- Early mobilization and general physical activity can also help prevent further deconditioning and support recovery of swallowing function 1.
- Evidence suggests that respiratory muscle strength training is effective in the treatment of dysphagia for patients without tracheostomy, and chin tuck against resistance in addition to conventional dysphagia therapy may improve oropharyngeal swallow function 1.
Overall, it is crucial to prioritize the prevention and treatment of deconditioning-related swallowing problems to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.
From the Research
Deconditioning and Swallowing Problems
- Deconditioning is a complex process of physiological change following a period of inactivity, bedrest, or sedentary lifestyle, which can result in functional losses in various areas, including mental status, degree of continence, and ability to accomplish activities of daily living 2.
- However, there is limited direct evidence to suggest that deconditioning causes swallowing problems.
- A study on the effect of nasogastric tubes on swallowing function in persons with dysphagia following stroke found that the placement of a nasogastric tube did not affect temporal and nontemporal measurement of swallowing in stroke patients with dysphagia with or without minor aspiration 3.
- Another study discussed dysphagia and swallowing disorders, highlighting the causes, prevalence, and consequences of untreated dysphagia, but did not specifically address the relationship between deconditioning and swallowing problems 4.
- Deconditioning can lead to functional decline and compounds or contributes to conditions such as frailty and sarcopenia, which may indirectly affect swallowing function 5, 2.
- A study on baclofen treatment for patients with rumination and supragastric belching found that baclofen improved symptoms and reduced postprandial flow events, but this study did not investigate the relationship between deconditioning and swallowing problems 6.