The Effect of Food Taste, Temperature, and Viscosity on Swallowing Efficiency

Swallowing problems (dysphagia) are encountered frequently in primary practice and in the
hospital setting. The list of possible causes is large, ranging from strokes and
neurological disease to complications of cancer treatment, acid reflux, and surgery. Many
patients have a reduced ability to feel food and fluid (reduced sensation) within the throat
(pharynx) and this leads to an inability to manipulate food and fluids in the correct
manner. This can produce a variety of swallowing problems such as choking on foods and
fluids, regurgitation, aspiration, weight loss, malnutrition and poor quality of life.

Treatment of dysphagia is largely directed at rehabilitation of muscle power and education
about safe swallowing techniques or positioning that limits food and fluid from entering the
airway. One of the most widely accepted treatments of dysphagia is to alter the texture of
food. Most patients with dysphagia will have more difficulty swallowing thin liquids. By
adding a thickener to the liquid, a food bolus becomes more cohesive, and is less likely to
become aspirated. Various types of thickening products are available over-the-counter
without a prescription. These thickening products are bland and currently have no flavor. We
hypothesize that alterations in food taste (sweet, salty, etc…), viscosity, and temperature,
will improve swallowing efficiency. The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the
effects of food taste, texture, and temperature on swallowing efficiency. The goal is to
develop safer, better tasting food products and improve the quality of life in patients with
disabling swallowing disorders.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Normal Volunteers:

- Older than 55 years of age

- No history of voice, swallowing, reflux, or progressive neurologic disease
affecting the swallowing mechanism.

- A normal self-administered dysphagia questionnaire (EAT-10 score of less than
three)

- Patients with Dysphagia

- Older than 55 years of age

- Patients with the following condition: Dysphagia, globus, gastroesophageal
reflux, or any other condition requiring referral for a dynamic swallowing
study.

- Patients willing to provide written informed consent for their participation in
the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients unable to complete the administration of the full taste and viscosity
protocol.

2. Patients with profound dysphagia unable to safely consume the test solutions.

3. Patients with known sensitivities or allergies to any of the test solutions.

4. Patients who are prisoners.

5. Patients have a history of diabetes.

6. Patients who are unable to follow the simple instructions to swallow the test
solutions on instruction and answer the questionnaire.