The American Heart Association defines a stroke as the obstructed blood flow to one side of the brain which controls the bodily functions on the opposite side. Stroke can result in paralysis, vision problems, behavioral changes, memory deficits, speech impairments, and dysphagia, or problems swallowing. The effects of stroke can limit the ability to move and communicate needs. They can also interfere with nutrition and may lead to choking, aspiration of food or drink into the airways and lungs resulting in infection, pneumonia and even death.
Aspiration
Dysphagia is a relatively common occurrence in stroke victims with poor tongue control. Poor tongue control increases the likelihood of choking on thin or watery or difficult to chew substances. According to the National Stroke Association, sensation in the throat is decreased by the stroke and thus a person may inadvertently swallow without the usual violent choking necessary to naturally dislodge the foreign material. Care providers should thicken beverages and ensure food is cut small enough and is soft enough to swallow.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia resulting from food and drink swallowed into the airways and lungs can be life-threatening. Accoridng to CHEST Journal, the aged already have a tendency to have immune deficiencies, poor nutrition, poor mouth hygiene and, especially if they wear dentures, exhibit a higher risk of infection. Add foreign antigens (bacteria) into their compromised systems and the result can be pneumonia or death.
Malnutrition
Lab Tests Online says that signs and symptoms of malnutrition can include anemia (decreased red cell blood count/ iron deficiency), weight loss, decreased muscle mass, overall weakness, dry scaly skin, edema (water retention and swelling in the limbs), hair showing signs of lost pigment, brittle and malformed nails, chronic diarrhea, slow wound healing, bone and joint pain, mental changes and increased irritability, and goiter (swelling in the thyroid gland). One explanation for higher rates of malnutrition among stroke victims could be difficulty enjoying a meal due to an overall fear of choking.
