According to a study published in the journal Clinical Interventions in Aging, “Aging leads to declining tongue pressure and motor function of the lips. It is possible that swallowing function declines in older individuals when meal consumption is prolonged, especially at the end of mealtime, as a result of their efforts in [chewing] and swallowing.”
Below we review several of the ways swallowing changes with age.
Reduced Bulk in the Vocal Cords
The vocal cords help protect the airway when swallowing. If the airway is left partially open due to reduced bulk of the vocal cords, the food or beverage being swallowed can enter the lungs. This is called “aspiration.” Symptoms of aspiration include coughing after swallowing and change in voice after swallowing.
Reduced Strength of Tongue and Throat
The throat constricts tightly from top to bottom while swallowing to help propel foods or beverages from the mouth into the esophagus, which is the tube that leads to the stomach. If this action is incomplete, food can remain in the throat after the swallow is complete, potentially posing a threat to the airway.
Decreased Size of the Sphincter
The sphincter is the muscle at the top of the esophagus. It must relax in order to open and allow foods and beverages to enter. The size of the opening of the sphincter may decrease with age, meaning foods, pills and even liquids may get stuck.
Increased Size of Throat
The throat gets longer and more dilated as we age, which means the amount of time for a swallow increases from about one second to nearly 20% longer duration. The airway must then be protected longer for older individuals in order for safe swallowing to occur.
Other Changes
Some other changes that can affect swallowing include ability to smell, function of the brain and how we breathe.
Diseases that Can Affect Swallowing
Certain diseases that can affect swallowing that are more common in the elderly include diabetes, osteoarthritis and stroke. Certain surgeries can also affect the ability to swallow.
If you’re having difficulty swallowing at Pine Point Grill or if you’d like to schedule an appointment with a swallowing expert, call Benjamin Liess MD today.