Esophageal Transit, Contraction and Perception of Transit After Swallows of Two Viscous Boluses

Abstract

BackgroundThere have been results showing the influence of bolus viscosities and consistency on esophageal motility and transit. However, there is no description about the influence of two different viscous boluses on esophageal contractions, bolus transit and perception of transit. Our objective in this investigation was to evaluate the esophageal transit and contraction after swallows of two viscous boluses.MethodsBy impedance and manometric methods, we measured the esophageal transit and contraction after swallows of two viscous boluses of 5 mL volume, 100% barium sulfate and yogurt, swallowed in duplicate in the supine and upright positions. The bolus transit, esophageal contractions and the perception of bolus transit through the esophagus were evaluated in both positions. Impedance and contraction were measured at 5, 10, 15 and 20 cm from the lower esophageal sphincter. After each swallow, the volunteers were asked about the sensation of bolus transit through the esophagus.ResultsIn supine position, the yogurt had a less frequent complete bolus transit than barium. Also in the supine position, the esophageal transit was longer with yogurt than with barium. Esophageal contractions after swallows were similar between barium and yogurt boluses. There was no difference in perception of transit between the two boluses.ConclusionAlthough both 100% barium sulfate and yogurt are viscous boluses and have similar viscosities, the transit through the esophagus is slower with yogurt bolus than with barium bolus, which suggests that viscosity may be not the sole factor to determine transit.

Brain functional activity of swallowing: A meta‐analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging

“…By contrast, the greater viscosity of saliva compared with water probably results in more sensory stimulation during oesophageal transport. 49,73 A study noted that S1 has more pronounced activation during the oesophageal phase than early swallowing phase. 74 Consistent with this finding, the current meta-analysis showed that S1 was only significantly activated when saliva was swallowed instead of water.…”

“…In the oral cavity and pharynx, water stimulation is greater than that of saliva. By contrast, the greater viscosity of saliva compared with water probably results in more sensory stimulation during oesophageal transport 49,73 . A study noted that S1 has more pronounced activation during the oesophageal phase than early swallowing phase 74 .…”