Abstract

CAMPORA, Horacio  and  FALDUTI, Alejandra. Evaluation and treatment of alterations of deglutition. Rev. amer. med. respiratoria [online]. 2012, vol.12, n.3, pp.98-107. ISSN 1852-236X.

The alterations of deglutition have become more frequent over time, owing to the increase in life expectancy in the world and the progress of medical sciences that reduced the mortality from some pathologies. Deglutition is the act of swallowing solid and liquid substances, including saliva, from the mouth to the stomach. This act is the result of a complex mechanism of forces, movements and pressures within the oropharynx and the larynx. The failure of the coordination, syncronization and efficacy of this mechanism is called dysphagia. Dysphagia is not a disease; it is a symptom of several pathologies related to neurologic, structural and respiratory causes. The objective of this paper is to provide guidance to health professionals on how to identify the presence of dysphagia in order to refer the patient to the correct specialized team for evaluation and treatment. This guide also includes recommendations on therapeutic techniques for functional therapists. Guidance is given on the correct application of therapeutic techniques depending on the stage of the deglutition that is affected in order to educate the patient in recovering an effective and safe deglutitive function

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