Current Status and Issues Associated with Treating Swallowing Disorders in our Region from the View of Otolaryngologists

Abstract

Introduction: Japan is now a high-aging society, and the numbers of dysphagic patients are increasing. Given this background, we wonder if otolaryngologists have played a prominent enough role in treating swallowing disorders. We therefore examined the current status and issues associated with treatments for swallowing disorders in our region. Method: We surveyed the medical records of three hospitals in Kochi Prefecture. These hospitals have rehabilitation wards and lack full-time otolaryngologists. We also administered a questionnaire survey to otolaryngologists and speech therapists in Kochi Prefecture. Results: While there were many dysphagic patients in those hospitals, the evaluation of the swallowing function was not routinely performed. Many ear-nose-and-throat clinic otolaryngologists had difficulty performing active correspondence to treat dysphagic patients. In addition, only a few speech therapists cooperated with otolaryngologist and were confident in their treatment skills. Conclusion: Otolaryngologists have sufficient knowledge and skills to treat swallowing disorders. Therefore, we stress that it is essential to organize regional medical networks and that otolaryngologists should collaborate with associated doctors and medical staffs, especially speech therapists.