Gender Differences in Normal Swallow

Authors

Abstract

requires precise coordination between 34 pairs of muscles in just over one second. The rapid sequential and overlapping motions characterizing adult human swallowing behavior were better appreciated with the introduction of radiography, and especially video radiography. There are data suggesting that women swallow liquids at a lower flow rate and ingest smaller volumes in each swallow than men.
Aim of the work: To assess the physiological difference between males and females in oropharyngeal and esophageal phases of swallowing in normal middle-aged individuals.
Patients and Methods: Cross sectional study, included 30 healthy volunteers (15 males & 15 females) with normal swallowing, whose age ranged from 18-45 yrs. This study was conducted in SohagUniversityHospital, Phoniatric Unit. All volunteers were subjected to Video-Fluroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) in sitting position. Oral transit time (OTT), Pharyngeal transient time (PTT), Oropharyngeal transient time, Esophageal transit time (ETT), Total swallow time (TST) were measured. Also, hyoid peak was calculated.
Results: There were nosignificant difference between males and females swallowing in both fluid and solid boluses.
Conclusion:  This study provided insights into normal swallowing physiology and defines measurement alternatives for evaluation of the dysphagic patients

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