techniques for dysphagia

Effortful Swallow (Why It's Used) -

A stronger-than-normal swallow to help clear stuff out of your throat.

Effortful Swallow (Helps With) -

Food sticking in your throat (valleculae), weak tongue or pharynx muscles.

Effortful Swallow (Heads-Up) -

Might be tiring. Sometimes makes lower throat residue worse.

Mendelsohn Maneuver (Why It's Used) -

You "freeze" your swallow at the top to hold your voice box up longer.

Mendelsohn Maneuver (Helps With) -

Trouble opening the top of the esophagus or poor timing when swallowing.

Mendelsohn Maneuver (Heads-Up)

- Hard to learn and remember. Not great if someone has trouble following steps.

Supraglottic Swallow (Why It's Used)

- Hold your breath, swallow, then cough to protect your airway.

Supraglottic Swallow (Helps With)

- If stuff is going into the airway due to a slow or weak swallow.

Supraglottic Swallow (Heads-Up)

- Avoid if someone has heart issues. Must remember steps.

Super-Supraglottic Swallow (Why It's Used)

- Same as supraglottic swallow, but with a hard breath-hold like you're lifting something heavy.

Super-Supraglottic Swallow (Helps With) -

For serious airway protection problems.

Super-Supraglottic Swallow (Heads-Up) -

Really not safe for people with heart conditions. More effortful.

Chin Tuck (Why It's Used)

- Tuck your chin down while swallowing. This narrows the airway and gives you more control.

Chin Tuck (Helps With)

If swallowing is delayed or food collects above the airway.

Chin Tuck (Heads-Up)

- Can backfire if throat muscles are too weak.

Head Turn (Why It's Used)

- Turn your head to one side to send food down the stronger side of your throat.

Head Turn (Helps With)

- One side of the throat is weaker than the other.

Head Turn (Heads-Up)

- Doesn't help if both sides are weak. Not good for people with neck issues.