Basic Notes Concerning Oral Swallow Study For Dysphagia Techniques

By Ruth Green


Dyspalgia is a swallowing complication which is mostly common in elderly people. The disorder normally comes and goes with time but it gets worse if treatment arent taken once noted. At times most people do not have any idea what they are suffering from until these effects become so severe. Dyspalgia occurs due to functional or structural conditions which may be triggered by neurological disease, stroke, gastro esophageal reflux disease or cancer. There are several things to know concerning swallow study for dysphagia.

The condition is usually brought about by other disorders affecting the head and neck and also damage of nervous system. The nervous system complications which contribute to this may include: palsy cerebral, injury of spinal cord, stroke, Alzheimer disease, brain injury or recurrent sclerosis. While those affecting the head and neck includes: mouth cancer, missing teeth or tooth decay, surgeries done on the neck or head.

When this food is rolled down it is at the second stage of oral propulsion where after the bolus has been fully chewed in the presence of a catalyst called saliva amylase, the food is then swallowed where it moves down the gut. The third stage is the pharyngeal phase where a sequence of overlapping activities is involved. During this phase the upper esophageal sphincter relaxes, and a forward movement of the larynx and hyoid bone to pull it open to allow the food to pass.

The fourth stage is the esophageal phase where a peristaltic wave is used to move the bolus. The lower sphincter closes immediately the bolus enters the gut which helps in gastrosophageal reflux prevention. Age normally have astute effect on all the swallowing stages but its uncertain when it comes to clinical significance which the effects have.

Another swallowing technique is the jaw thrust. And in this method the patient is expected to move their lower jaw as far as they can, with their lower teeth in front of the upper jaw. The technique should be carried out with precautions especially for patients who have jaw replacements since it can cause a lot of stress to the jaw. Repetition is carried out depending on the degree o complication.

Once the causes of this complication have been identified, treatment is commenced immediately. The treatment subjected usually depends on the cause of the problem. Dilation is one of treatment methods used where any narrow areas of esophagus are expanded using a device. The doctor may prescribe some certain foods and drinks in order to make the swallowing better.

Endoscopy is another treatment method used where a screen is used to remove the foods that may be stuck. This method is usually used in cases where food may fail to go down to the gut for digestion. In cases where the condition is not that severe or the patient has a brain, muscle or nerves complications, exercises of the muscle and positioning the body well while taking meals are some of the exercises which are recommended.

After the studies have been conducted, drugs to treat the condition have been invented. Some of these drugs may include antibiotics like Doxycycline, potassium and quinidine for the treatment of esophageal complications. Where for oropharyngeal condition Anticonvulsants and Benzodiapine are used. At times when the condition is more serious, a surgery may be necessary to help enlarge the esophagus in order to allow food to pass with ease. These are some of the evaluation facts about impaired swallowing, its symptoms and treatment.




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