Feeding & Swallowing

“Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder involving the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, or gastroesophageal junction. Consequences of dysphagia include malnutrition and dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, compromised general health, chronic lung disease, choking, and even death” (ASHA, 2022).

“Feeding is the process involving any aspect of eating or drinking, including gathering and preparing food and liquid for intake, sucking or chewing, and swallowing (Arvedson & Brodsky, 2002). Feeding provides children and caregivers with opportunities for communication and social experiences that form the basis for future interactions (Lefton-Greif, 2008).

Swallowing is a complex process during which saliva, liquids, and foods are transported from the mouth into the stomach while keeping the airway protected. Swallowing is commonly divided into the following four phases (Arvedson & Brodsky, 2002; Logemann, 1998):

• Oral preparatory—This is a volitional phase during which food or liquid is manipulated in the mouth to form a cohesive bolus, and that includes sucking liquids, manipulating soft boluses, and chewing solid food.

• Oral transit—This is a voluntary phase that begins with the posterior propulsion of the bolus by the tongue and ends with the initiation of the pharyngeal swallow.

• Pharyngeal—This phase begins with a voluntary pharyngeal swallow that, in turn, propels the bolus through the pharynx via an involuntary contraction of the pharyngeal constrictor muscles.

• Esophageal—This is an involuntary phase during which the bolus is carried to the stomach through the process of esophageal peristalsis” (ASHA, 2022).

Let us know what you and your loved one are experiencing and see if we can provide support in the above areas.