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الاثنين، 1 فبراير 2016

Appreciating The Correlation Between Oral Care And Aspiration Pneumonia

By Patricia Wood


Aspiration pneumonia is one major causes of mortality and morbidity in elderly patients. This is especially so in frail ones. Many studies have shown that ensuring these patients receive effective and efficient oral care helps in preventing this dangerous condition that almost always leads to death. Oral care and aspiration pneumonia seem to be related in that lack of the former increases the chance of getting the latter.

Oral healthcare is important because it touches on all the aspects of life. Many take this simple routine for granted but is actually effective in preventing a lot of issues. The mouth often shows many signs of infections and diseases that affect the rest of the body. These systemic diseases are easily noticeable by lesions. It does not matter what age one is at, both the young and old need to ensure strict mouth hygiene at all times.

Effective oral hygiene extends to all aspects of care other than brushing teeth daily. While this is a significant action, used alone does not make it as effective as when it is used together with other activities. These include flossing of teeth, using clean toothbrushes for three months, not sharing personal items, reducing total intake of snacks, proper dieting techniques as well as visiting a primary dentist regularly. These visits should not only be limited to when one feels pain in their gums. It should be done more frequently among adults and young kids.

Aspiration pneumonia is the inflammation of lungs and the bronchial tubes. This is usually caused by infection due to inhalation of foreign matter. It is also called anaerobic pneumonia. It may easily be caused by inhaling liquid, vomitus and food. It then leads to infection by bacteria. These organisms are different and more stubborn than those which cause other types of pneumonia.

Common causes of aspiration pneumonia include heavy consumption of alcohol and drugs, esophageal disorders, comatose state, anesthesia, reduced alertness, aging, swallowing problems, sedatives as well as dental problems. Poor oral health is proven to be one of the leading causes of this respiratory problem among the elderly.

Studies already carried out on the subject show the positive correlation between aspiration pneumonia and oral care. A clean mouth prevents this disease from infecting the respiratory system. Patients receiving effective care show reduced cases of these infections proving that it does work.

It was discovered that simple hygiene techniques had a big impact on the disease. Round the clock healthcare indicated a reduced number of infections. However, dental visits were required weekly. This is more regular as compared to normal checkups.

Oral decontamination has a significant effect on many respiratory diseases. These diseases are life threatening because they interfere with the breathing system of the body. Mechanical cleaning on the other hand removes most germs and pathogens. Training how to swallow is also used.

With the studies done that prove the effectiveness of cleaning the mouth in preventing aspiration pneumonia, effort has been made in educating people. This is especially done in elderly nursing homes which have arranged for dental services for clients and patients.




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