5 Answers

Normal swallowing is a very fast process, taking less then 2 seconds to move the food from the mouth, through the pharynx, and into the esophagus. Normal swallowing is safe because the larynx is closed as the food passes. The food is normally moved efficiently through the mouth and pharynx, with very little trace of food or liquid left behind.

If a swallowing problem remains untreated the patient may become dehydrated because of the inability to swallow fluids. The patient also may lose weight and become malnourished because of difficulty in eating foods that require a lot of chewing, or foods of a particular thickness.

Pneumonia can result from a swallowing problem if food or liquid gets into the lungs while swallowing. The patient may have increased secretions as the lungs clean themselves of food or liquid.

In order to prevent these problems, patients with suspected swallowing problems should receive careful evaluation, followed by planned treatment.

14 years ago. Rating: 2
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It might be acid reflux. Has the pediatrician ever mentioned it to you? My grandson had it until he outgrew it at about 18 mo.

14 years ago. Rating: 1
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WE ARE ON THE CASE, PEOPLE!

14 years ago. Rating: 1
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don't ever ever ever think that we don't learn stuff while we're doing q & a. pamela! how did you know all that. or should i say dr. iam pamela313. (i regret not having capital letters. i will have them as soon as my other computer gets functional.)

14 years ago. Rating: 1
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Don't think just "loud swallowing" in itself is a problem but it certainly can annoy anybody that you dine with.

14 years ago. Rating: 0
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