Effects of Effortful Swallow on Esophageal Peristalsis

Esophageal dysfunctions are typically re-referred to GI and mostly treated using medications with varying success.  The study concentrating on the utilization of the Effortful Swallow on Esophageal Dysfunctions manometrically examined the effects of an effortful pharyngeal swallow to assess the impact it may have on esophageal function.  The effortful swallow (swallow strong) yielded greater esophageal amplitudes and longer esophageal duration which decreased incomplete bolus clearance.  Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem NC (Butler, et al)  

Effects this study can have on how we conduct Treatment of Esophageal Dysfunction:  We know that the Effortful Swallow improves bolus clearance from the vallecullae and the hypopharynx via increasing effort on swallow.  Anatomically, when a patient uses the Effortful Swallow, they are using as much force as possible to increase hyolaryngeal excursion, and clearance of bolus through to the UES.  The effort used to increase the hyolaryngeal excursion also increases the opening of the UES and the opportunity for bolus to pass through to the UES.  We currently do not have many available options to treat esophageal dysphagia, so this research is exciting news!