Patient Education Videos by Ianessa Humbert: Normal Swallow

Summary

This video explains the process of normal swallowing, highlighting its key goals: preventing residue and keeping the breathing tube clear. It demonstrates how the tongue and throat muscles work together to move food and liquid into the esophagus, as well as the automatic coordination of the mouth, throat, and voice box to protect the airway. The video contrasts normal swallowing with abnormalities, showing how issues like residue or aspiration can arise when swallowing is impaired. Overall, it emphasizes the automatic nature of a healthy swallow and the complex coordination involved in safely moving food and liquid.

Takeaways

• 😀 The goal of swallowing is to move food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach.
• 😀 Swallowing involves coordinated movements of many small structures in the mouth and neck.
• 😀 A normal swallow is typically observed using a modified barium swallow study (video x-ray).
• 😀 There are two primary goals of swallowing: preventing residue after swallowing and keeping the breathing tube clear to avoid aspiration.
• 😀 Normal swallows don't leave food or liquid behind due to the action of the tongue and pharynx squeezing the contents down into the esophagus.
• 😀 If food or liquid is left behind in the throat, it may indicate an abnormal swallow.
• 😀 In a normal swallow, one or two swallows should be sufficient to clear food or liquid into the esophagus.
• 😀 The voice box (larynx) closes to prevent food or liquid from entering the windpipe (trachea).
• 😀 Aspiration occurs when food or liquid enters the windpipe, which is a potential issue in abnormal swallowing.
• 😀 Despite the occasional risk of residue or aspiration, normal swallowing is automatic and typically requires no conscious thought.
• 😀 The normal swallow involves the smooth movement of food down the throat without entering the windpipe.

Q & A

What is the main goal of swallowing?

The main goal of swallowing is to move food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach.

What are the two primary goals of a normal swallow?

The two primary goals of a normal swallow are to prevent residue from being left behind and to keep the breathing tube clear to prevent aspiration.

How do normal swallows prevent residue from being left behind?

In a normal swallow, the tongue and throat muscles (pharynx) work together to squeeze food and liquid back and down into the esophagus, ensuring nothing is left behind.

What happens when food or liquid is left behind in an abnormal swallow?

In an abnormal swallow, food or liquid may remain in the mouth or throat, even after multiple swallowing attempts, as shown in the example with pudding.

How many swallows are typically needed in a normal swallow to clear food?

Typically, one or two swallows are sufficient to completely move food or liquid into the esophagus during a normal swallow.

How does a normal swallow keep the breathing tube clear?

In addition to other structures, the voice box (larynx) closes to prevent food or liquid from entering the windpipe (trachea), helping to keep the breathing tube clear.

What happens when food or liquid enters the windpipe during swallowing?

When food or liquid enters the windpipe, it may lead to aspiration, which can result in choking or a risk of respiratory problems.

Is it common for food or liquid to enter the trachea during a normal swallow?

No, it is generally rare for food or liquid to enter the trachea during a normal swallow. However, it can sometimes happen.

What is the role of the voice box in normal swallowing?

The voice box (larynx) plays a crucial role in normal swallowing by closing to prevent food or liquid from entering the windpipe (trachea).

Why is normal swallowing considered automatic?

Normal swallowing is considered automatic because it involves coordinated movements of various parts of the mouth and throat that work without conscious effort, making the process seamless and natural.