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EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association
EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association
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What is swallowing?

Swallowing is a very complex mechanism. It begins with the sight of food and the subsequent production of saliva. Food is taken into the mouth, chewed, rolled into a ball and finally swallowed, that is, pushed through the throat and into the oesophagus and eventually down to the stomach. The actual swallow reflex is triggered by food touching the back of the mouth and is normally an involuntary action when eating.


Did you know?

According to the Department of Gastroenterology at the Cleveland Clinic (USA) the total phase of swallowing, from mouth to stomach, takes seven to nine seconds.

 

Acknowledgement


We would like to thank the following for their contributions to this information:

  • Julia Johnson, Speech and language therapist, Regional Neurosciences Centre, King’s College Hospital, London & Clinical Advisor on Progressive Neurological Disease, Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, London

We would like to acknowledge the following source(s) in compiling this information:

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