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Research Paper | Nursing | India | Volume 7 Issue 11, November 2018

Aspiration Pneumonia: A Major Respiratory Complication among Stroke Patients

Sibin M B

Abstract: Stroke was called as apoplexy historically, because of the way it strikes people down. Although the mortality rate from stroke is decreasing, the estimated prevalence rate of disability related to stroke is excruciatingly on the higher side. Dysphagia is predominant after stroke and has been associated with an increased risk of pulmonary complications like aspiration pneumonia. The main objective of the study was to assess the occurrence of aspiration pneumonia among acute stroke patients. All patients (n= 96) diagnosed as stroke and admitted during one month in neurologyICU department was included in study after obtaining Informed Consent. The data was collected from the patient relatives and the medical records with the help of a questionnaire. The follow up of patients were done till the time of discharge. Outcomes were assessed using descriptive analysis. Out of 96 patients, 30 patients were identified as a case of aspiration and with risk for developing pneumonia. Among that, 18 patients were diagnosed to have pneumonia during hospitalization and 3 patients were succumbed to death. It is found that Aspiration pneumonia is a debilitating complication among stroke patients.

Keywords: Stroke, Dysphagia, Aspiration Pneumonia

Edition: Volume 7 Issue 11, November 2018,

Pages: 809 - 812