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Effects of menthol on the triggering of the swallowing reflex in elderly patients with dysphagia
Author(s) -
Ebihara Takae,
Ebihara Satoru,
Watando Aya,
Okazaki Tatsuma,
Asada Masanori,
Ohrui Takashi,
Yamaya Mutsuo,
Arai Hiroyuki
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
british journal of clinical pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.216
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1365-2125
pISSN - 0306-5251
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2006.02666.x
Subject(s) - swallowing , dysphagia , pharyngeal reflex , medicine , reflex , anesthesia , cough reflex , menthol , aspiration pneumonia , pharynx , larynx , confidence interval , pneumonia , surgery , chemistry , organic chemistry
Aims To investigate the effect of menthol on swallowing reflex sensitivity in elderly patients with dysphagia. Methods and results The swallowing reflex sensitivity of institutionalized elderly patients was evaluated as a latent time of swallowing reflex (LTSR), induced by the injection of 1 ml solution into the pharynx. LTSR was significantly shortened in a concentration‐dependent manner, from 13.8 s [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.1, 16.5] by distilled water to 9.4 s (95% CI 7.1. 11.8) by 10 −2 m menthol. Conclusion Using menthol with elderly patients with dysphagia may improve the sensitivity of their swallowing reflex, resulting in prevention of aspiration pneumonia.