Breathing and Swallowing With High Flow Oxygen Therapy

Compared to other methods of respiratory failure treatment, heated high-flow oxygen (HHO 2 ) therapy is relatively new. The HHO 2 system enables the delivery of high oxygen flow improving patient respiration and ventilation, therefore avoiding the need for more invasive ventilation methods. The patient population requiring HHO 2 therapy is heterogeneous. We will review this therapeutic approach including its: goals, physiological benefits, limitations, and potential effect on the swallow. Very little is known about swallowing physiology across many pulmonary conditions including the effect of HHO 2 on swallowing biomechanics. Due to the medical fragility of this diagnostic subgroup and the relative lack of evidence guiding the assessment and management of their swallow, clinicians must proceed cautiously.