Breathing and swallowing in normal man - effects of changes in body position, bolus types, and respiratory drive

Abstract

Swallowing occurs during the expiratory phase of respiration, and the fraction of swallows preceded and followed by expiration approach 100% in healthy humans. This integration between breathing and swallowing remains unchanged regardless of body position, bolus characteristics, or respiratory drive. Our results provide a platform for future studies aiming at understanding how this integration is changed by aging, diseases, and drugs.