What is a common secondary complication of stroke that requires monitoring?

Pneumonia is a common secondary complication of stroke that necessitates careful monitoring. Following a stroke, patients often experience changes in their ability to swallow, which can lead to aspiration—where food or liquids enter the airways instead of the esophagus. This aspiration greatly increases the risk of developing pneumonia, an infection that can severely impact recovery and overall health outcomes.

Moreover, stroke can result in immobility and prolonged bed rest, both of which further complicate respiratory function and may lead to decreased lung capacity and muscle weakness, making patients more susceptible to respiratory infections such as pneumonia. Therefore, monitoring for pneumonia is critical in stroke care to ensure early identification and intervention, which can significantly influence recovery and reduce mortality associated with respiratory complications.

In summary, the relationship between stroke and pneumonia, combined with the physiological changes that occur post-stroke, highlight why pneumonia is a vital concern that requires vigilant observation and management in stroke patients.