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The effects of cold, touch, and chemical stimulation of the anterior faucial pillar on human swallowing

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Abstract

Cold stimulation of the oropharyngeal mucosa, including the faucial pillar region, is used as a specific technique for the treatment of swallowing disorders. The physiological mechanisms underpinning this clinical technique are unclear. Thermal (cold), chemical (saline, glucose and water), mechanical (light touch) and feigned stimulation of the faucial pillar were assessed for their effects on the latency to swallow and the repetitive frequency of swallowing. There was no significant difference between these variables following light stimulation of the faucial pillar with a metal probe warmed to body temperature compared with feigned stimulation. However, cold touch stimulation evoked a significant increase in swallowing latency and repetitive frequency compared to feigned stimulation. The results suggest the existence of thermo-sensitive receptors in the faucial pillars that evoke swallowing when stimulated by cold touch. The clinical and physiological importance of these findings are discussed.

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Author notes

  1. Monika N. Kaatzke-McDonald M App Sc

    Present address: Department of Speech Pathology, Concord Repatriation Hospital, Hospital Road, 2139, Concord, NSW, Australia

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Communication Disorders, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Monika N. Kaatzke-McDonald M App Sc & Pamela J. Davis PhD

  2. Department of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Elizabeth Post PhD

Authors
  1. Monika N. Kaatzke-McDonald M App Sc
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  2. Elizabeth Post PhD
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  3. Pamela J. Davis PhD
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Kaatzke-McDonald, M.N., Post, E. & Davis, P.J. The effects of cold, touch, and chemical stimulation of the anterior faucial pillar on human swallowing. Dysphagia 11, 198–206 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00366386

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