Management of swallowing disorders

Swallowing disorders are frequent in daily practice. They could involve liquids or solid diets or both, and are mainly caused by neurological or ENT diseases. They impair patients or their relatives' quality of life and increase the risks of aspiration, undernutrition and dehydration. Assessment includes careful interview and physical examination. The DePippo's test is a key examination. Additionally, endoscopy or video fluoroscopy, which remains the gold standard for swallowing assessment, could be needed. Nutritional and respiratory assessments are mandatory. The management of swallowing disorders should be multidisciplinary, involving physicians, speech therapist, dietician, sometimes dentist or surgeon, and needs a strong contribution of the paramedical staff and the patient's relatives. (C) 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.