MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) can provide
added visualization of the throat and upper gas-
trointestinal tract. Laryngoscopy allows the doctor
to examine the structures of the inside of the
throat. The diagnostic path may also include a
NEUROLOGIC EXAMINATIONto determine the presence
of conditions such as PARKINSON’S DISEASEthat can
affect the ability to swallow.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Sometimes medications to relax certain muscles or
reduce the flow of saliva improve the functions of
chewing and swallowing. Swallowing therapy
(provided by a speech-language pathologist) can
teach methods to strengthen muscles and improve
coordination of the steps of swallowing as well as
ways to prepare food and position it in the mouth
for most effective swallowing. BIOFEEDBACKis help-
ful for some people. Surgery may be necessary to
correct esophageal strictures that narrow the pas-
sageway for food.
Most people experience improvement with
treatment, though swallowing disorders resulting
from degenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s
disease are likely to worsen as the disease pro-
gresses. In such situations, alternatives such as
ENTERAL NUTRITIONor PARENTERAL NUTRITION(supple-
mental or replacement feedings) may become nec-
essary. Family members of those who have
swallowing disorders should know how to per-
form the HEIMLICH MANEUVERto dislodge food that
becomes aspirated into the TRACHEA.
See also ACHALASIA; CALORIE.swimmer’s ear See OTITIS.56 The Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat