Food or liquid can enter the nasal cavity, a phenomenon medically known as nasal regurgitation. This occurs when the complex swallowing mechanism fails to direct swallowed material entirely down the throat toward the esophagus. This failure allows material to travel upward into the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat connected to the nasal passages. While often temporary, understanding how the body normally prevents this clarifies why it occasionally happens.
How the Body Seals the Nasal Passage During Swallowing
The body’s primary defense against nasal regurgitation is the soft palate, or velum, which is the muscular tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth. During the swallowing reflex, the soft palate is rapidly pulled upward and backward. This movement causes it to press against the posterior and lateral walls of the pharynx, effectively closing off the nasopharynx.
This coordinated muscular action creates a temporary barrier, separating the oral cavity and the throat from the nasal passages. Muscles like the tensor veli palatini and the levator veli palatini work together to tense and elevate the soft palate. This elevation prevents the food bolus from moving up into the nose and ensures the material is directed solely toward the esophagus.
Common Reasons Food Enters the Nasal Cavity
Nasal regurgitation happens when the soft palate fails to create this tight seal, which can occur for several reasons. One of the most common causes is a temporary mechanical disruption of the swallowing process. Actions like laughing, coughing, or talking while food or liquid is in the mouth can interrupt the reflex and prevent the soft palate from fully elevating. This failure of coordination allows pressure to force the swallowed contents up into the nasal cavity.
More frequent or chronic occurrences can signal an underlying swallowing disorder, often categorized as velopharyngeal sphincter dysfunction (VPD). VPD is a condition where the muscles of the soft palate are too weak or uncoordinated to close the nasopharynx completely. This dysfunction can be due to structural issues, such as a congenital cleft palate, or damage to the nerves controlling the palatal muscles.
Neuromuscular issues, including conditions like stroke or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), can impair the nerve signals required for the precise muscle movements of the soft palate. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or laryngopharyngeal reflux can also cause backward movement of stomach contents into the upper throat. This refluxed material, which may include partially digested food, can then easily enter the nasal passages, especially if the upper esophageal sphincter is weakened.
What To Do When Food Enters the Nasal Passage
If food or liquid enters the nasal passage, the first step is to remain calm and avoid sharp inhalations, which could draw the material further into the nose. The most effective immediate action is to gently blow the nose to expel the foreign material. If the material is only in one nostril, closing the clear nostril and gently blowing through the affected side can help clear the blockage.
A saline rinse, using a neti pot or similar device with distilled or sterile water, can help flush out residual food particles. The solution is poured into one nostril and allowed to flow out the other, helping to dislodge and clear the passage. Tilting the head back while lying down can also use gravity to encourage the material to fall into the back of the throat, where it can be swallowed or coughed out.
It is important to seek medical attention if the event is chronic, painful, or accompanied by other symptoms. These associated symptoms include persistent hoarseness, a sore throat, or a feeling of food getting stuck in the throat. A healthcare professional can diagnose any underlying swallowing disorder, such as VPD or a neurological issue, which may require specific treatments like swallowing therapy or dietary modifications.