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

High-flow nasal cannula therapy is used as a noninvasive treatment for people with acute respiratory disease. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of high-flow nasal cannula different flow rates on different characteristics of swallowing in healthy volunteers. A prospective cohort study where healthy adult volunteers were subject to high-flow nasal cannula at different flow rates (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 L/min, in random order). The 30-mL water swallow test, repetitive saliva swallowing test, and 0-100 mm visual analog scale assessed aspiration, swallow frequency and effort, respectively. Thirty subjects (mean age 30 years) were enrolled. Nine subjects (30.0%) choked at 10, 40 and 50 L/min during the 30-mL water swallow test (p