Which approach might be used to address delayed esophageal transit in regurgitation care?

• A. Help the sluggish movement of esophagus
• B. Change consistency of food and water
• C. Place feeding tube
• D. Let gravity help

Answer: (A)

When esophageal transit is delayed, the goal is to improve the esophagus’s ability to move the bolus along, addressing the underlying motility issue rather than just compensating in other ways. Supporting or enhancing esophageal movement reduces stasis and regurgitation by promoting quicker clearance through peristalsis, which directly targets the problem.

So the best approach is to help the sluggish movement of the esophagus, such as with strategies that boost esophageal motility or peristaltic efficiency. Changing the texture of foods can help with swallowing safety and ease of passage in the oropharyngeal phase, but it doesn’t fix the slowed esophageal propulsion. Placing a feeding tube bypasses the esophagus entirely and is more about nutrition when swallowing is unsafe or insufficient, not about treating delayed transit. Letting gravity help is a passive aid and may offer some assistance, but it doesn’t address the root motor delay.