We provide services in Philadelphia, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for additional information or to schedule a clinical in-service. Swallowing has 3 phases, oral, pharyngeal and esophageal.
Problems or difficulties in any or all of these phases is known as dysphagia. The oral phase involves acceptance of food or liquids, chewing and how a person moves the food or liquid into the throat.
The pharyngeal phase involves starting the swallowing reflex, squeezing food down the throat, and closing off the airway to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway aspiration or to prevent choking. The esophageal phase relaxing and tightening the openings at the top and bottom of the feeding tube in the throat esophagus and squeezing food through the esophagus into the stomach. Aspiration is when food or liquid passes below the vocal folds and into the airway. Silent aspiration is the lack of sensory response cough, throat clear, etc.
This can lead to pneumonia and respiratory complications. Incidence and prevalence vary among diagnostic groups. Morbidity related to dysphagia can be a major concern. In addition, the cost of the consequences of feeding and swallowing disorders must be taken into account. Medical costs can be calculated per episode of pneumonia Fein, The cost of lifestyle alterations and caregiver burden is more difficult to determine, but can have enormous impact on individuals and others in their environment.
MBS or Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study is a radiologic examination of oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases of swallowing that uses x-ray. This test must be performed in a video-fluoroscopy suite of a hospital with a radiologist, radiology tech, and speech-language pathologist. The patient must be seated upright for the study and is given barium impregnated foods. Recommendations for safest diet level can be made following the study.
