Age-related changes of swallowing function

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Swallowing function with aging was evaluated by videofluorography and manometric study.1. VideofluorographySubjects consisted of 113 persons who presented Ehime University Hospital with chief complaints of pharyngolaryngeal foreign-body sensation or swallowing difficulties. They were confirmed to be free from any lesion in the pharyngolaryngeal region by routine otolaryngological examination. They were classified into three groups : young group (<40 years in age, n=16) middle aged group (40【less than or equal】 and <65 years, n=48) and elderly group (65 years【less than or equal】, n=39).In the elderly group, pharyngeal clearance of the bolus was significantly impaired than those in young and middle-aged groups Pharyngeal flow and aspiration of the bolus in the elderly group were more frequently observed than in the other groups.2. Pharyngeal manometrySubjects consisted of 14 persons with the age less than 65 years and 35 older than 65 years of age. Pharyngeal pressure was clearly recorded in both groups of age, and the decrease in pressure during the pharyngeal swallowing phase was alsoidentified. However, 34% of subjects in the older group showed lower pharyngeal pressure than normal range, while, none of subjects in the younger group did.This study showed a subclinical impaired swallowing function in the aged population. The change of anatomical structure in the pharyngolarynx was thought to a main explanation.