Swallowing
Objectives:
At the end of the session, the participant will have:
- An understanding of the relationship between breathing and swallowing.
- An understanding of the mechanism of aspiration and swallowing problems in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- The ability to follow swallowing safety guidelines.
- An understanding of the importance of maximising respiratory function to maintain safe swallowing.
- Improved knowledge of oral hygiene.
Facilitator:
This session may be facilitated by a speech pathologist or respiratory nurse.
Topic | Content | Resources |
---|---|---|
Introduction. – Relationship between breathing and swallowing. | Normal breathing. Normal swallowing. | Videofluroscopic swallowing study. |
Swallowing and aspiration. | How aspiration occurs. Consequences of aspiration. Identification of swallowing problems. | |
Breathing in COPD. | Disruption in coordination. Energy requirements. | |
Swallowing in COPD. | Delayed swallow reflex. Inhalation before / after swallowing. Difficulty with apneoic stage. Increased prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux. | |
Swallowing safety guidelines. | Postural strategies. Fatigue techniques and improved breathing. Reflux precautions. Texture modification. Oral hygiene. | |
Summary and discussion. |