Swallowing News and Research

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Research discoveries reveal insights behind neurological degeneration

Research discoveries revealing the genetic causes of neurological degeneration could be a key to slowing the progression of devastating diseases.

14 Aug 2018

Long term effects of Zika virus exposure during pregnancy studied

Zika is a mosquito borne virus that can be dangerous in pregnant women as it can cause severe congenital malformations and damage to the baby. The extent of danger however is not known and a large study followed children who were exposed to this virus during their time within the womb.

7 Aug 2018

World Lung Cancer Day: FIRS commemorates and supports lung cancer patients

On World Lung Cancer Day, the American Thoracic Society, alongside members of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies commemorate and support those impacted by lung cancer.

1 Aug 2018

Study uncovers why elderly people struggle to swallow

A new study has revealed people naturally lose muscle and function in the throat as they age, making it harder for food to move from the mouth to the space above the food pipe.

31 Jul 2018

Study helps to explain why older adults experience dysphagia

As adults age, they all experience a natural loss of muscle mass and function. A new study finds that as the loss of muscle and function in the throat occurs it becomes more difficult for efficient constriction to occur while swallowing - which leads to an increased chance of food and liquids being left over in the throat.

26 Jul 2018

Researchers find distinct microbiomes in airway, gastrointestinal systems of children with chronic cough

Different respiratory diseases associated with chronic cough create distinct microbial imbalances in the lower airways of children, according to a study led by researchers at NYU School of Medicine.

26 Jul 2018

Study findings highlight importance of early detection of SMA through newborn screening

Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic disease that affects motor neurons in the spinal cord, resulting in muscle atrophy and widespread weakness that eventually impair swallowing and breathing.

17 Jul 2018

Support circle: Family caregivers share stories and tips to ease Alzheimer’s toll

Vicki Bartholomew started a support group for wives who are caring for a husband with Alzheimer’s disease because she needed that sort of group herself.

11 Jul 2018

Cancerous cells in aggressive childhood brain tumor work together to infiltrate the brain, shows study

Scientists have discovered that cancerous cells in an aggressive type of childhood brain tumor work together to infiltrate the brain, and this finding could ultimately lead to much needed new treatments, according to a new study published in Nature Medicine today (Monday).

2 Jul 2018

Mount Sinai study could help doctors to better understand and manage diseases affecting the larynx

In a first-of-its-kind study, Mount Sinai researchers have used sensory mapping to discover that the posterior part of the larynx (closest to the swallowing tract) is the main area of the voice box to protect the airway from potentially dangerous swallowed or inhaled substances.

29 Jun 2018

Children with pre-existing allergies should be screened for eosinophilic esophagitis

Children with known skin, food and respiratory allergies should be screened for an emerging, chronic food allergy called eosinophilic esophagitis, a painful inflammation of the esophagus, the food tube between the mouth and stomach.

25 Jun 2018

New therapeutic approach may delay neurodegeneration in rare genetic disease

A new therapeutic approach may one day delay neurodegeneration typical of a disease called mucopolysaccharidoses IIIB. Neurodegeneration in this condition results from the abnormal accumulation of essential cellular molecules called mucopolysaccharides.

21 Jun 2018

Eating honey can reduce serious injuries in children who swallowed button battery, shows study

A team of ear, nose, and throat specialists has demonstrated that eating honey after swallowing a button battery has the potential to reduce serious injuries in small children.

11 Jun 2018

New system for anti-cancer drug delivery offers hope to treat pediatric tumors

In most of the Western World, cancer is the primary cause of death in children over the age of one. Existing treatments for adult cancer patients are not particularly effective for children.

31 May 2018

Treg infusions show promise in slowing progression of ALS

Recent research from Houston Methodist Hospital showed that a new immunotherapy was safe for patients with ALS and also revealed surprising results that could bring hope to patients who have this relentlessly progressive and fatal disease.

21 May 2018

Smart technology helps improve outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer

A federally funded, randomized clinical trial of 357 people receiving radiation for head and neck cancer, using mobile and sensor technology to remotely monitor patient symptoms, resulted in less severe symptoms related to both the cancer and its treatment (both general and cancer-related).

17 May 2018

First epoetin alfa biosimilar receives FDA approval to treat certain types of anemia

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Retacrit (epoetin alfa-epbx) as a biosimilar to Epogen/Procrit (epoetin alfa) for the treatment of anemia caused by chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy, or use of zidovudine in patients with HIV infection.

16 May 2018

Snorers may have extensive tissue damage in nerves and muscles of the soft palate

People who snore may have extensive tissue damage in the nerves and muscles of the soft palate. This can in turn create problems with swallowing and contribute to development of sleep apnea.

14 May 2018

Study gives insight into how signals enter cancer cells and drive aggressive growth

The outside of a cancer cell is bombarded by signals. They come from the immune system, supporting tissues and other structures. But how do those signals impact cancer?