Dysphagia Pathology

Question 1

What is airway penetration?

Answer 1

Material enters the larynx but remains above the vocal folds

Question 2

What is the difference between aspiration and penetration?

Answer 2

Aspiration - goes below the vocal folds
Penetration - remains above the vocal folds

Question 3

What can go wrong in the oral preparatory stage? x6

Answer 3

1. Not taking food/drink
2. Transmit of food/drink to mouth
3. Labial weakness
4. Disrupted/absent salivation
5. Mastication absent/disrupted
6. Clearance of bolus from oral cavity e.g. pocketing

Question 4

What can go wrong at the oral stage? x3

Answer 4

1. Front seal
2. Oral transit of bolus
3. Palatal disruption

Question 5

What can go wrong at the pharyngeal stage? x6

Answer 5

1. Inadequate velo-pharygneal closure
2. Delayed swallow trigger
3. Reduced pharyngeal wall contraction
4. Reduced hyo-laryngeal excursion
5. Inadequate airway protection
6. Reduced crico-pharyngeal opening

Question 6

What are some signs that something may be wrong at the pharyngeal stage?

Answer 6

Nasal regurgitation
Multiple swallowing - 2+
Throat clearing
Sensation of material in throat