Gustation, olfaction, and deglutition

Abstract

Interactions occur between the chemical senses and swallowing, in particular retronasal and orthonasal olfaction, as well as gustatory and trigeminal factors. The swallow is impacted differentially by mixed sensory stimuli, including the addition of visual stimuli, and manipulation of bolus taste and temperature. Studies have investigated the impact of these sensory manipulations on the disordered swallow, particularly for disorders of the pharyngeal stage. A variety of populations with swallowing disorders have responded to treatments using chemosensory stimulation. However, it remains unclear whether the key facilitator for improvement of the disordered swallow is olfactory, gustatory, or trigeminal. A combination of stimuli seems to be indicated.