Effects of different high-flow nasal cannula flow rates on swallowing function

What is it about?

High-flow nasal cannula therapy is used as a non-invasive treatment for people with acute respiratory disease. The goal of this study was to see how different flow rates of high-flow nasal cannulas affected different swallowing features in healthy participants.

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Why is it important?

Our findings showed that in healthy participants, high-flow nasal cannula flow rates above 40 L/min were linked to choking (increased risk of aspiration) and poor swallowing function. Patients with a variety of clinical disorders who are being treated with a high-flow nasal cannula, especially those who are at risk of aspiration pneumonia, may need to have their swallowing function assessed.