Super Supraglottic Swallow vs. Supraglottic

Attribute	Super Supraglottic Swallow	Supraglottic
Definition	A swallowing technique used to close the vocal folds before and during the swallow to prevent aspiration.	A swallowing technique used to close the supraglottic structures to prevent aspiration.
Steps	1. Take a deep breath and hold it. 2. Place food or liquid in the mouth. 3. Close the vocal folds tightly. 4. Swallow while keeping the vocal folds closed. 5. Cough after the swallow if needed.	1. Take a deep breath and hold it. 2. Place food or liquid in the mouth. 3. Close the supraglottic structures. 4. Swallow while keeping the supraglottic structures closed. 5. Cough after the swallow if needed.
Target	Vocal folds	Supraglottic structures
Aspiration Prevention	Prevents aspiration by closing the vocal folds.	Prevents aspiration by closing the supraglottic structures.
Usage	Used in individuals with swallowing difficulties to prevent aspiration.	Used in individuals with swallowing difficulties to prevent aspiration.

Introduction

When it comes to managing swallowing difficulties, two techniques that are commonly used are the Super Supraglottic Swallow (SSS) and the Supraglottic Swallow (SGS). These techniques are designed to help individuals with dysphagia, a condition that affects their ability to swallow safely and efficiently. While both techniques aim to improve swallowing function, they differ in their execution and the specific benefits they offer. In this article, we will explore the attributes of SSS and SGS, highlighting their similarities and differences.

Super Supraglottic Swallow

The Super Supraglottic Swallow technique is a swallowing maneuver that involves a series of steps to enhance airway protection during swallowing. It is particularly useful for individuals with reduced laryngeal closure and weak cough reflex. The steps of SSS include:

1. Take a deep breath and hold it tightly.
2. Swallow while keeping the breath held.
3. Immediately after swallowing, cough forcefully.
4. Breathe in again.
5. Swallow again.

By holding the breath tightly and coughing immediately after swallowing, the SSS technique helps to close the vocal cords tightly, preventing any food or liquid from entering the airway. This technique can be particularly beneficial for individuals at risk of aspiration, as it provides an additional layer of protection during the swallowing process.

Supraglottic Swallow

The Supraglottic Swallow technique, on the other hand, is another swallowing maneuver that focuses on improving airway protection. It is commonly used for individuals with reduced laryngeal closure and a delayed or absent swallowing reflex. The steps of SGS include:

1. Take a deep breath and hold it tightly.
2. Swallow while keeping the breath held.
3. Immediately after swallowing, cough forcefully.
4. Clear the throat.
5. Breathe in again.

Similar to SSS, the Supraglottic Swallow technique emphasizes the importance of breath control and coughing to protect the airway. However, SGS does not include the additional swallow and focuses more on clearing the throat after the initial swallow. This technique can be particularly useful for individuals with a delayed swallowing reflex, as it helps to ensure that any residue or food particles are cleared from the throat effectively.

Comparison of Attributes

While both the Super Supraglottic Swallow and Supraglottic Swallow techniques share similarities in terms of breath control and coughing, they differ in their execution and the specific benefits they offer. Here, we will compare the attributes of these two techniques:

1. Airway Protection

Both SSS and SGS aim to enhance airway protection during swallowing. By holding the breath tightly and coughing immediately after swallowing, these techniques help to close the vocal cords and prevent aspiration. However, SSS provides an additional layer of protection by including an extra swallow, ensuring that any residue is cleared effectively. On the other hand, SGS focuses more on clearing the throat after the initial swallow, making it suitable for individuals with a delayed swallowing reflex.

2. Laryngeal Closure

Reduced laryngeal closure is a common issue in individuals with dysphagia. Both SSS and SGS address this concern by emphasizing the importance of breath control and coughing. However, SSS specifically targets weak cough reflexes, making it more suitable for individuals who struggle with forceful coughing. SGS, on the other hand, focuses on individuals with a delayed or absent swallowing reflex, ensuring that any residue is effectively cleared from the throat.

3. Swallowing Reflex

The swallowing reflex plays a crucial role in the efficient movement of food and liquid through the throat. SSS and SGS both aim to improve the swallowing reflex by incorporating breath control and coughing. However, SSS includes an additional swallow, which can be beneficial for individuals with a delayed swallowing reflex. SGS, on the other hand, focuses more on clearing the throat after the initial swallow, making it suitable for individuals who struggle with residue or food particles in the throat.

4. Risk of Aspiration

Individuals with dysphagia are at an increased risk of aspiration, which occurs when food or liquid enters the airway instead of the esophagus. Both SSS and SGS are effective techniques for reducing this risk by enhancing airway protection. However, SSS provides an additional layer of protection with the extra swallow, making it particularly suitable for individuals at a higher risk of aspiration. SGS, on the other hand, focuses more on clearing the throat after the initial swallow, ensuring that any residue is effectively removed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Super Supraglottic Swallow (SSS) and Supraglottic Swallow (SGS) techniques are both valuable tools in managing swallowing difficulties. While they share similarities in terms of breath control and coughing, they differ in their execution and the specific benefits they offer. SSS provides an additional layer of protection with the extra swallow, making it suitable for individuals at a higher risk of aspiration. SGS, on the other hand, focuses more on clearing the throat after the initial swallow, making it suitable for individuals with a delayed swallowing reflex. Ultimately, the choice between SSS and SGS depends on the individual's specific needs and the recommendations of their healthcare professional.