Question

As a result of a stroke, Mrs. Minnick’s swallowing is uncoordinated. What detrimental effect might this have on her ability to breathe?

Answer 1

The saliva might cause a blockage in the trachea affecting the airway, making it hard to breathe. This could also affect the voice box and size of lungs. 

Answer 2

Normally this type of disphagia, which results from such a condition as a stroke, can result in the epiglottis closing the opening to the airway. This means that the stroke has affected muscle control in the throat, which also means it has lost control of the epiglottis which is a flap of tissue that keeps food from going into the airway.

People can get an increased risk of aspiration and choking due to food or liquid entering the lungs or airway. Additionally this can indicate the possibility of obstruction via the tongue falling back into the throat.