Swallowing and Secretion Management in Neuromuscular Disease

Abstract

Neuromuscular disease frequently leads to dysphagia and difficulty managing secretions. Dysphagia may lead to medical complications, such as malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, and other pulmonary complications, as well as social isolation and reduced overall quality of life. This review provides an overview of dysphagia associated with neuromuscular disease in adults, along with a concise review of swallowing assessment and intervention options.

Keywords: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Dysphagia; Muscular dystrophy; Myasthenia gravis; Neuromuscular disease (NMD); Sialorrhea.