Oropharyngeal dysphagia: Pathophysiology and diagnosis for the anniversary issue of Diseases of the Esophagus

The oropharyngeal swallow involves a rapid, highly coordinated set of neuromuscular actions beginning with lip closure and terminating with opening of the upper esophageal sphincter. Evaluation of the oropharyngeal swallow usually involves the use of a modified barium swallow radiographic study with the goals of (i) defining the patient's swallow anatomy and physiology causing the dysphagia; and (ii) evaluating the immediate effectiveness of treatment procedures including selected postures, sensory enhancement, swallow maneuvers, and diet changes. Exercise programs may be helpful, but their immediate effects cannot be examined during the initial modified barium swallow. Exercise programs can be evaluated on a second radiographic study 3-4 weeks later. The resultant report should include all of this information. The speech-language pathologist is usually the professional most involved in the evaluation and treatment. Medications and surgery have a very limited role in the treatment of oropharyngeal dysphagia.