Related Experiment Videos
Does age or sex affect pharyngeal swallowing?
G J McKee1, B T Johnston, G B McBride
1Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, UK.
Clinical Otolaryngology and Allied Sciences
|May 23, 1998
Summary
Aging affects swallowing by slowing pharyngeal responses and reducing upper esophageal sphincter (UES) function. This study examined age and gender impacts on the pharyngeal pressure wave during swallowing.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Gastroenterology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Swallowing involves complex coordination between the pharynx and upper esophageal sphincter (UES).
- Age and gender may influence the biomechanics of the swallowing process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of age and gender on pharyngeal pressure wave characteristics during swallowing.
- To quantify changes in upper esophageal sphincter (UES) function with aging.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a four-sensor manometry probe in 73 healthy volunteers.
- Recorded 29 variables of pharyngeal and UES pressure waveforms during a 5 ml water bolus swallow.
- Sensors were positioned in the pharynx and within the UES.
Main Results:
- Aging correlated with a slower pharyngeal swallow response.
- Impaired opening of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) was observed in older adults.
- A significant reduction in resting UES tone was associated with aging.
Conclusions:
- Age-related changes impact the dynamics of the pharyngeal pressure wave and UES function.
- Swallowing efficiency may be compromised in older individuals due to these physiological changes.
- Further research is warranted to explore gender-specific differences.