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

Speech Pathology Australia: Swallowing
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.
Speech Pathology Australia: Swallowing
Consequences of a swallowing problem in people with chronic lung conditions How aspiration occurs. Consequences of aspiration.

Swallowing problems and nutrition
NHS Foundation Trust: Safer Swallowing
with Respiratory Conditions
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 COPD-X 07.7 Aspiration
Strategies to help manage swallowing problems Postural strategies. Fatigue techniques and improved breathing. Reflux precautions. Texture modification. Oral hygiene. Speech Pathology Australia: Swallowing
Summary and discussion.

The Toolkit

Getting Started
Getting Started
Patient Assessment
Patient Assessment
Exercise Training
Exercise Training
Patient Education
Patient Education
Patient Re-assessment
Patient Re-Assessment
Additional Resources
Additional Resources

Endorsed by the following organisations according to their respective approved criteria: