There are 4 Phases to Eating and swallowing. Some phases involve voluntary actions, and some involve involuntary (reflexive) actions.  Each phase requires timing and coordination on its own and in coordination with the other phases to ensure that food and drink get to the stomach safely. During the Oral Phase of the swallow the prepared food/drink (bolus) moves through the mouth.

Once the bolus goes over the base of the tongue several actions occur very quickly and some simultaneously.  The palate closes off what is called the nasopharynx to prevent food/drink from coming out of the nose.  While that is happening, the bolus is being sent toward the front of the throat so it can travel down the esophagus to the stomach.  At the same time, the throat is being pulled up and forward so a flap called the epiglottis can close off the trachea (windpipe) to help direct the food toward the esophagus down to the stomach.  The epiglottis helps protect the food/drink from entering the lungs.  This phase of a normal swallow lasts about one second.

Due to the complexity, speed and coordinated nature of this phase, a small interruption can cause a swallowing issue.  Signs of trouble at this point in the swallow may include but are not limited to coughing/choking, a gurgling/” wet” voice, frequent pneumonia, slow initiation of the swallow….

Once the bolus enters the esophagus, the next phase of the swallow begins.

Read about Phase Two: Oral Transit

Stayed tuned for more “Food for Thought” in the next MUI newsletter. Next newsletter, Phase III: Oral Pharyngeal.