Respiratory Infections in Acute Stroke: Nasogastric Tubes and Immobility are Stronger Predictors than Dysphagia

Swallowing problems occur in 37–78 % of stroke patients. Evidence points to multiple factors contributing to the development of pneumonia in the first week post stroke, of which the presence of dysphagia is one. A heightened understanding of the very acute phase (first 7 days post stroke) is required to improve management of this population. We conducted a retrospective review of 536 stroke patients admitted to Australian hospitals in 2010. Data...