Effects of menthol on the triggering of the swallowing reflex in elderly patients with dysphagia.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of menthol on swallowing reflex sensitivity in elderly patients with dysphagia.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
Using menthol with elderly patients with dysphagia may improve the sensitivity of their swallowing reflex, resulting in prevention of aspiration pneumonia.
Ebihara
Takae
T
Department of Geriatric and Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan.
Ebihara
Satoru
S
Watando
Aya
A
Okazaki
Tatsuma
T
Asada
Masanori
M
Ohrui
Takashi
T
Yamaya
Mutsuo
M
Arai
Hiroyuki
H
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008610:Menthol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012018:Reflex
D008610:Menthol