[Dysphagia] xerostomia post rad and diet choices

[Claire.Langdon at health.wa.gov.au (Langdon, Claire)]

Hi Kim

There have been reports in the literature describing efficacy of acupuncture as a treatment for post-radiation xerostomia.  I believe that acupuncture can also be useful in some patients for relieving nausea

see: Semin Oncol Nurs. 2005 Aug;21(3):190-5. Acupuncture for side effects of chemoradiation therapy in cancer patients. Lu W.

Gen Dent. 2005 May-Jun;53(3):223-6. Acupuncture in the treatment of xerostomia: clinical report.Morganstein WM

Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2003 Oct 1;57(2):472-80.  
A Phase I-II study in the use of acupuncture-like transcutaneous nerve stimulation in the treatment of radiation-induced xerostomia in head-and-neck cancer patients treated with radical radiotherapy.Wong RK, Jones GW, Sagar SM, Babjak AF, Whelan T.



Cheers
Claire Langdon
Senior Speech Pathologist
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
Hospital Avenue Nedlands 
West Australia

Phone: 61-8-9346-2044 
email: Claire.Langdon@health.wa.gov.au

  

-----Original Message-----
From: dysphagia-bounces@b9.com [mailto:dysphagia-bounces@b9.com]On
Behalf Of Clarke-Goertz, Kim (PAPHR)
Sent: Friday, 9 December 2005 02:42
To: 'dysphagia@b9.com'
Subject: [Dysphagia] xerostomia post rad and diet choices


Hi all,
I am writing to ask if any of you have any dietary suggestions for a fellow
I am following.  He is 4 mos post-radiation for scc of the tonsil.  He has
experienced significant xerostomia since.  We trialed an oral lubricant
which was not well received.  
I encouraged regular oral care with mouthwash (biotene) and frequent oral
hydration with water and thicker fluids as thin liquids are not well
tolerated.
He does have a PGJ so oral nutrition/hydration is by choice at this point.
He is anxious to wean and wants suggestions for oral intake.
I have suggested adding sauces/liquids for ease of oral transfer to any soft
solids.  He reports trying scrambled eggs recently and having difficulty
with transfer b/c of the dryness.

What I guess I'm asking of the group is does anyone have any prepared diet
suggestions for folks who fit this criteria?  Or any suggested resources?

ps No, I have not done a video, as nausea has been an issue in the recent
past and drinking barium is not an option at this point.  I do believe the
nausea is resolving.

Thanks in advance,
Kim



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