Table 2.

Alterations that may be encountered in the pharyngeal stage of swallowing

Alteration	Consequence
Soft palate failing to close	Bolus leaking out of the nasal tracts
Asymmetrical pharyngeal contraction	If the damage is bilateral the bolus will not progress on both sides and there will be pooled food
Reduced laryngeal range	Pooled food around the laryngeal opening and post-swallowing aspiration
Incomplete laryngeal closure	Aspiration and bolus pooling
Reduced laryngeal raising range	Bolus pooling and aspiration
Upper oesophageal sphincter dysfunction	Bolus blocking and possible returning into the respiratory tract