Abstract
The present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of capsaicin troche for age-related swallowing dysfunction. Ten healthy elderly volunteers who showed a decreased swallowing function when they were examined by either videoendoscopy or videofluorography participated in this study. They included 4 males and 6 females, and their ages ranged from 64 to 78 years with an average age of 70.0 years. They were administered capsaicin trochisci (1.5μg/tablet, 2 tablets/day) for one month. Thereafter, their swallowing functions were examined again using a self-reported questionnaire, videoendoscopy and videofluorography. The self-reported questionnaire and videoendoscopy showed a general improvement in the swallowing function. Videofluorography demonstrated a significant decline of the pharyngeal transition time of the bolus, although the laryngeal elevation delay time was stable. These results showed that the swallowing function in elderly adults improved after the administration of capsaicin troche tablets, thereby suggesting the possible therapeutic effectiveness of capsaicin troche for the treatment of age-related swallowing dysfunction.
