Pneumonia Recurrence Was Possibly Prevented by Oral Care in a Patient with Multiple Primary Tracheal Neurofibromas Treated with Endotracheal Stenting

Abstract

Case. A 74-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of wheezing and dyspnea in January X. Chest computed tomography revealed multiple tracheal tumors, and bronchoscopy detected multiple tracheal neurofibromas from just below the vocal cords down to the carina. The patient underwent endotracheal stenting, but was admitted to our hospital four times within a 4-6 month period due to pneumonia. We then referred him to a dentist in our hospital where he received oral care, including scaling, brushing guidance, and removal of tongue coating for chronic periodontitis. Following discharge, he visited a local dentist every 8-10 days and brushed his teeth three times a day. He has not been readmitted due to pneumonia for 1 year and 9 months. Conclusion. Many patients suffer from recurrent pneumonia after endotracheal stenting for relief of breathlessness. Oral care, an optimal method for prevention of aspiration pneumonia, might have contributed to the prevention of pulmonary infection, and can therefore be considered as one of the effective treatments for the management of patients who have undergone endotracheal stenting.