English 
简体中文 Swallowing
Objectives:
At the end of the session, the participant will have:
- An understanding of the relationship between breathing and swallowing.
- An understanding of why swallowing problems may occur in people with chronic lung conditions and possible consequences
- Awareness of common signs of swallowing problems
- Awareness of strategies to help manage swallowing including speech pathologist assessment and intervention
Facilitator:
This session may be facilitated by a speech pathologist or respiratory nurse.
| Topic | Content | Resource |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction. – Relationship between breathing and swallowing. | Normal breathing. Normal swallowing. | Videofluoroscopic swallowing study. Better living with COPD (Chapter 16) Speech Pathology Australia: Swallowing Fact Sheet |
| Why swallowing problems may occur in people with chronic lung conditions | Changes to breathing with chronic lung conditions: Disruption in coordination. Energy requirements. Lung cancer treatment (chemo-radiation) may also be associated with swallowing problems. Possible changes to swallowing with chronic lung conditions: Delayed swallow reflex. Inhalation before / after swallowing. Difficulty with apneoic stage. Increased prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux. |
Better living with COPD (Chapter 16) |
| Consequences of a swallowing problem in people with chronic lung conditions | How aspiration occurs. Consequences of aspiration. Swallowing problems and nutrition |
Better living with COPD (Chapter 16) |
| How can you tell if you are experiencing swallowing problems? | Identification of swallowing problems and what to do if they are identified: GP/respiratory specialist and speech pathologist review | Better living with COPD (Chapter 16) |
| Strategies to help manage swallowing problems | Postural strategies. Fatigue techniques and improved breathing. Reflux precautions. Texture modification. Oral hygiene. | |
| Summary and discussion. |
