Techniques to Improve Swallowing Function and Address Dysphagia

The Swallowing Process and Where Things Can Go Wrong

Swallowing (also called deglutition) seems simple enough, but is actually a complex process involving muscles and nerves working together to move food and liquids from the mouth down to the stomach. At various points in this process, issues can occur that interfere with swallowing correctly.

The Oral Phase

Chewing food into small pieces and mixing them with saliva starts the digestive process. The tongue helps form food into a ball-shaped mass (bolus) to be swallowed. Problems like missing teeth or nerve damage can make chewing or manipulating food in the mouth difficult.

The Pharyngeal Phase

The tongue pushes the bolus to the back of the mouth where sensory nerves trigger the pharyngeal swallow. Muscles open the airway to allow food entry and muscles in the throat (pharynx) contract pushing food toward the esophagus. Weak throat muscles or sensory issues can disrupt this stage.

The Esophageal Phase

Peristaltic waves move food through the esophagus into the stomach. Poor muscle tone or nerve problems that disrupt these waves leads to food getting stuck on its way to the stomach.

Swallowing Disorders and Their Causes

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing effectively is referred to clinically as dysphagia. The various swallowing stages make it possible for many issues to impede normal function.

Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

When there are problems in the oral cavity and pharynx, it is classified as oropharyngeal dysphagia. Typical causes include nerve damage, muscle weakness, structural blockages, or movement coordination conditions.

Esophageal Dysphagia

Disorders specifically along the esophagus are called esophageal dysphagia. Motility dysfunction or anatomical narrowing often contribute to abnormalities in this region.

Steps to Improve Swallow Function

Consult Speech Language Pathologists

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) specialize in swallowing disorders. Consulting an SLP allows personalization of treatment plans including muscle exercises and strategies to compensate for specific deficiencies.

Adjust Consistencies for Food and Liquids

Therapists may recommend food textural or liquid consistency adjustments that are safer or easier to swallow depending on your unique issues.

Practice Good Posture

Sit upright while eating and continue sitting upright for a time after meals as well. Proper posture helps align the swallowing mechanism to maximize efficiency.

Take Smaller Bites and Sips

Dont overload your mouth with too much food or liquid at once. Smaller volumes are more easily manipulated and transferred in the swallow sequence.

Concentrate While Eating and Drinking

Focus your full attention on meals, eliminating distractions during eating time. Concentrating supports consciously controlling the process rather than eating mindlessly.

Helpful Techniques to Aid the Swallow Sequence

Effortful Swallow

Make an extra effort to squeeze your throat and tongue muscles when you try to swallow. This provides more impetus to move food effectively.

Supraglottic Swallow

Before you swallow, first take a deep breath and hold it briefly to close your vocal cords, protecting air passages. Then make an effortful swallow a few seconds later.

Chin Tuck

Tucking your chin in toward your chest mechanically narrows the opening to the airway as you swallow, directing materials toward the esophagus.

Shaker Exercise

This exercise strengthens swallowing muscles. Lie flat and raise your head off the bed, holding for a minute or two before resting. Repeat several times a session.

When to Seek Medical Care

Make an appointment with your doctor right away if you experience:

• Coughing or choking when eating/drinking
• Gurgly, wet sounding voice after swallowing
• Frequently getting food stuck feeling
• Unintentional weight loss from swallowing difficulty
• Increased breathing issues while eating

These signs could indicate aspiration, where food incorrectly goes into your airway instead of esophagus. This raises pneumonia risk and requires prompt evaluation. Speech therapy and diet modifications can vastly improve swallow function.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.