Preventing aspiration pneumonia in the geriatric-gerontological ward: a description of phonoaudiologic measures

Abstract

Aspiration pneumonia caused by penetration of food and-or saliva in the lungs is, presently, recognized as one of the most frequent situations affecting hospitalized elderly patients, leading to difficulties in treatment and extending the hospitalization period. This study aims to describe the phonoaudiologic procedures established at the moment of admission of the patient and to study any changes made to these procedures in the course of the hospitalization period. As a conclusion, we may assert that the absence of aspiration pneumonia in the studied patients may suggest the effectiveness of the phonoaudiologic follow-up which, in association with an interdisciplinary team, may help to minimize any abnormal conditions and improve the quality of life during and after hospitalization.