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Abstract
Background: In our previous study, a single auricular application of capsaicin ointment, but not placebo improved cough reflex in elderly patients with dysphagia.
Aims/Objectives: In the present study, we examined whether daily auricular application of capsaicin ointment continued to improve cough reflex in similar patients.
Material and methods: With a cotton swab, 0.025% capsaicin ointment was applied in each external auditory canal alternately once a day for 2 weeks. The cough reflex sensitivity was evaluated on videoendoscopy using a numerical score and inhalation cough challenge test using citric acid in elderly dysphagic inpatients.
Results: After daily auricular application of capsaicin ointment for 2 weeks, the endoscopic score of glottal closure and cough reflexes significantly improved, and the citric acid cough threshold significantly decreased. There was a significant correlation between the endoscopic score and the citric acid cough threshold before and after daily capsaicin application in the patients.
Conclusions: Daily auricular stimulation with capsaicin ointment for 2 weeks continued to improve the cough reflex sensitivity in elderly patients with dysphagia.
Significance: Daily auricular stimulation with capsaicin ointment would be a safe and effective intervention to prevent pneumonia in elderly with a risk of aspiration.
Chinese abstract
背景：在我们以往的研究中, 耳部单次施以辣椒素软膏, 而不是施以安慰剂, 可以改善老年吞咽困难患者的咳嗽反射。
目的：检查在相似的患者中, 每天耳廓施以辣椒素软膏是否继续改善咳嗽反射。
材料与方法：用棉签将0.025%辣椒素软膏交替涂抹于两侧外耳道, 每日1次, 连续2周。采用数字评分和柠檬酸吸入性咳嗽激发试验对老年吞咽困难住院患者的咳嗽反射敏感性进行评价。
结果：每日耳部施以辣椒素软膏2周后, 内视镜下声门闭合评分和咳嗽反射评分明显改善, 柠檬酸咳嗽阈值明显降低。患者每日施用辣椒素前后的内镜评分与柠檬酸咳嗽阈值有显著相关性。
结论：辣椒素软膏每日耳部刺激2周, 可提高老年吞咽困难患者咳嗽反射敏感性。
意义：辣椒素软膏每日耳部刺激是预防老年吸入性肺炎的安全有效的措施。
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.