Development of novel, biophysically designed fluids for swallowing disorders

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Swallowing disorders, known as dysphagia, are associated with increased mortality and morbidity, including malnutrition, dehydration, pulmonary complications, and reduced quality of life. More than 18 million adults (and millions more children) suffer from dysphagia. Dysphagia commonly causes thin liquids (e.g., water, coffee) to be aspirated or misdirected into the airway during swallowing, leading to significant risk of aspiration pneumonia. Rates of hospital dischargefor Medicare beneficiaries with aspiration pneumonia as a primary diagnosis have risen by 93.5% in the last decade; the length of hospital stay and death rates has also increased. Annual healthcare costs of treating pneumonia in elders are 4.4 billion and pneumonia is responsible for 4.5 million visits to Emergency Rooms, hospitals, and clinics annually. Liquids that are more viscous ( thicker ) are less likely to enter the airway because they move more slowly and cohesively than thin liquids allowing mor