長期照護機構住民用藥對於口腔照護的影響

Drug Induced Oral Reactions in Elderly Individuals of Long-term Care Facility

即使依照標準的建議下開立藥品或給藥，每一種藥物都可能產生不良的反應，藥物不良反應可涉及身體的每一個器官和系統，並常常被誤認為是疾病導致的。許多藥物之不良反應會影響到口腔及其相關的結構。良好的口腔衛生包括唾液能發揮其正常功能，對維持身體的健康是非常重要。藥物在口腔產生的不良反應，最常見的是口乾、味覺障礙及口腔炎。此外，牙齦增生、顎骨壞死及口腔運動機能亢進等，也是老年人很重要的議題，隨著人口老化，處方藥、非處方、中草藥療法等使用量相對增加。臨床醫療工作者必須不斷更新自己病人所使用藥物的相關知識，除了評估病史，並需注意是否有用藥相關的問題，才能給與正確的診斷與治療。

Every drug can produce adverse drug effects even when used according to standard or recommended methods of administration. Adverse drug reactions can involve every organ and system of the body and are frequently mistaken for signs of underlying disease. The mouth and associated structures can also be affected by many drugs or chemicals. Good oral health including salivary function is very important in maintaining whole body health. The three most frequent oral side-effects were xerostomia, taste disorders, and stomatitis. Furthermore gingival hyperplasia, osteonecrosis of jaws, oral motor hyperactivity is also very important issues for the elderly. Considering the aging of the population along with widespread and increased use of prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal remedies. Clinicians must constantly update their knowledge of drugs used by their patients and always should take thorough medical histories and be aware of medication-related problems and their potential effects on diagnosis and treatment planning.