Feeding and Respiration

Coordination of breathing and swallowing is essential for normal bolus transportation through the pharynx and for protection of the airways. During passage of the bolus through the pharynx, respiration is interrupted. Normal swallowing occurs during the expiratory phase of breathing. Incoordination of the feeding respiratory pattern may lead to penetration of the bolus into the airways. This may cause choking, death, aspiration pneumonia, or chronic laryngitis.