Swallowing is initiated by a tongue thrust against the palate at the top of the mouth. This propels the food into the pharynx. This takes one second. The esophagus carries the food into the stomach within 12 to 16 seconds. In the middle part of pharynx there is a point which is like a fork in a road.
Food passes into the fork leading to the stomach.
Air for oxygen exchange passes into the fork called the trachea which leads to the lungs . All families should know how to do the Heimlich maneuver which is a technique to move a food particle out from the trachea if it gets stuck there since all people are at risk for aspiration obstruction if they talk or laugh while swallowing. Families with members who have a neuromuscular disease should also know the Heimlich maneuver since they are at greater risk. Problems with swallowing are frequently evaluated and treated by Speech Pathologists. The initial evaluation of swallowing problems may be an examination by the Speech Pathologist.