Swallowing and Airway

Swallowing is more intricate than many realize. It’s a process we use so often that we usually don't think about it—until something goes wrong. When we swallow improperly, often called "food going down the wrong pipe," it can trigger a respiratory response, such as coughing or choking. This is because swallowing plays a major role in preventing the entrance of food and other materials into the lower respiratory tract (Nishino T, 2013). Coordination of this complex process is key so prevent aspirations of materials in the airway.

Coordinating the swallowing reflex can be challenging because of the complexity involved. Swallowing relies on both efferent and afferent neural pathways, which involve the peripheral and central nervous systems. Efferent pathways carry signals from the brain to the muscles, while afferent pathways transmit information from the muscles back to the brain. While this biological process can lead to coordination issues, it is not the only factor that can cause swallowing problems.

As a Myofunctional therapist, my approach targets muscle weakness and coordination during the initial phase of swallowing, known as the oral phase. Together with my patients, we gradually strengthen the muscles of the face and mouth to improve strength and develop muscle memory. I play a key role in this intricate process we use daily, but for more complex issues, I may refer patients to a speech-language pathologist or an otolaryngologist to rule out any anatomical concerns.

To learn more about the complexities of the swallow, click the citation below and read the research article that I utilized.

Nishino T. (2013). The swallowing reflex and its significance as an airway defensive reflex. Frontiers in physiology, 3, 489. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2012.00489

SWALLOWING OR DEGLUTITION - ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. (2022c). Youtube.com. Retrieved November 21, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRIpwPD3gc8.