If you were given the task to keep swallowing for 30 seconds straight, how well would you perform?
Many of us might think we can easily manage it and perhaps achieve around 15 or more swallows, considering it seems like a simple task.
However, without the aid of liquids, accomplishing this might be more challenging than anticipated.
Perhaps we can aim for 10 swallows without any liquid?
Well, you might be surprised by what the actual answer is.
Medical experts suggest there is a benchmark number of swallows you should be able to reach, and failing to do so could indicate a serious condition.
If swallowing becomes difficult while trying the challenge, you might be experiencing dysphagia, which signifies ‘difficulty swallowing’.
Though not life-threatening by itself, dysphagia ‘is a symptom of many different medical conditions’, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Several of these conditions could be serious, so let’s delve into the findings that reveal how many times an average person should be capable of swallowing.
The most extensive study on this topic established the baseline number of swallows for healthy individuals, which varies by age.
Using the Repetitive Saliva Swallow Test, a method for diagnosing dysphagia, participants are asked to swallow repeatedly for thirty seconds without using food or liquids.
Results showed that people aged 20 to 39 should manage approximately 8.5 swallows in 30 seconds, those in their 40s should achieve eight swallows, and individuals in their 50s should complete seven swallows.
For those in their 60s, they ought to manage nearly seven swallows (6.7), while those in their 70s should reach six, and people in their 80s should perform just over four swallows (4.3) within the time frame.
What if they fall short?
Failing to meet the expected number of swallows for their age bracket might suggest underlying health issues leading to dysphagia, such as lung disease or certain cancers.
The researchers stated: “This finding reinforces the necessity for a more comprehensive exploration of the validity of the established cutoff values within the oldest old age group.”
If you find yourself struggling with this test, it may point to conditions like Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), brain tumors, cerebral palsy, dementia, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, GERD, muscle diseases, or cancer.
A TikToker named Jesse Beharrell attempted this and discovered he couldn’t swallow as expected.
He shared on his page that you ‘can only swallow two to three times before your body forces you to stop’.
He added: “Go on, try it, let me know how many times you can do it.”
So, why not give it a shot?
I managed to swallow nine times – sorry, Jesse.
Nonetheless, it’s crucial to avoid self-diagnosing. If you’re having trouble swallowing and suspect it might indicate something more serious, consult a doctor for an evaluation.