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Swallowing in patients with tracheotomies
1Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA.
AACN Clinical Issues
|December 18, 1998
Summary
Swallowing and breathing are linked functions. Impairments in one can harm the other, especially for patients with artificial airways requiring careful management for safe oral intake.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Medicine
Background:
- Swallowing and respiration are interdependent physiological processes.
- Dysfunction in one system can negatively impact the other.
- Artificial airways can significantly alter normal swallowing mechanics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the mechanics of normal swallowing.
- To review swallowing disorders and their impact.
- To explain the effects of tracheotomy and mechanical ventilation on swallowing.
- To outline assessment and treatment procedures for swallowing dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of normal swallowing mechanics.
- Analysis of swallowing disorders.
- Examination of the effects of artificial airways (tracheotomy, mechanical ventilation).
- Overview of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Normal swallowing involves complex coordination with respiration.
- Tracheotomy and mechanical ventilation disrupt this coordination, increasing aspiration risk.
- Various assessment tools (e.g., FEES, VFSS) are available.
- Multidisciplinary management is key for optimizing oral intake.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the interplay between swallowing and respiration is crucial for patient care.
- Effective management strategies can improve safe oral intake in patients with artificial airways.
- Early and accurate assessment and treatment of dysphagia are essential.