It may start slowly because of cancer or suddenly as a result of a stroke. The normal swallow process is described in three stages or phases. The tongue then moves the bolus to the back of the mouth to trigger the swallow reflex. Triggering of the swallow reflex begins the pharyngeal phase. The bolus of food or liquid enters the throat.
Breathing is stopped for a moment.
There is no single treatment technique or management strategy for a swallowing problem. A speech-language pathologist, often working with a swallowing team comprised of other professional specialists, designs a dysphagia program. What To Do if You Have a Swallowing Problem Videofluoroscopy is an x-ray study. It may have other names. This exam allows the provider to watch the flow of a food or liquid bolus from the mouth to the esophagus.