Role of fibreoptic endoscopy in evaluating swallowing disorders
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The term dysphagia is derived from the Greek words meaning "difficulty to eat". 1 It refers to any disruption in the swallowing process during the transport of bolus from the oral cavity to the stomach .2Swallowing is a dynamic process from the beginning to the end and to evaluate this- it requires dynamic evaluation rather than identifying anatomical problems .We tried to understand the physiology of swallowing by performing this study . Fibreoptic endoscopic evalution of swallowing is a technique that is used to visualize the pharyngeal and pre-esophageal phases of swallowing. It has contributed to our understanding of swallowing…show more content… Superior laryngeal nerve (branch of vagus nerve) is largely responsible for triggering the swallowing reflex. 3 Dysphagia can be a symptom of several different underlying medical conditions or diseases.
The swallowing disorder may result from either a specific anatomic problem or physiologic/functional issue (ie, sensation loss, coordination, or muscle paralysis).4 In our study, dysphagia was secondary to a neurological disorder in 11 patients and was secondary to a non-neurological disorder in 9 patients.
Regardless of the underlying pathological condition, in order to effectively identify and treat swallowing disorders such as providing appropriate dietary recommendations, behavior management strategies, and rehabilitation exercises, the health care team first need to correctly identify the specific biomechanical aspects of the swallowing function through the appropriate use and interpretation of a diagnostic swallow procedures. The purpose of a diagnostic swallow procedure is to assess dysphagia and when appropriate make recommendations for diet level, safe swallow strategies, and swallowing rehabilitation
