High resolution pharyngeal manometry (HRPM) is used for assessing swallowing pressure along the length of the pharynx and upper esophageal sphincter. Pressure measurements in the region of the velopharynx, tongue base, and upper esophageal sphincter are obtained by passing a catheter with pressure sensors through the patient's nose and past the upper esophageal sphincter. Patients are presented various volumes of liquid to swallow and potentially asked to perform postural strategies such as a head turn or chin tuck during swallowing while the catheter is in place. Clinically, approximately 90% of patients report various discomfort associated with the procedure. Discomfort can result in patient refusal to participate or an inaccurate picture of a patient's swallowing pressures. Conversely, use of anesthesia can potentially alter swallowing physiology.~Recent studies have studied the effects of lidocaine on penetration/aspiration and subject discomfort during flexible endoscopic evaluations, yet findings are inconclusive or contradictive. Investigators aim to determine whether subjects report a difference in comfort with HRPM conducted following application of lidocaine as an anesthetic as compared to HRPM conducted without anesthetic.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether subjects report a difference in comfort with High Resolution Pharyngeal Manometry (HRPM) conducted following application of lidocaine as an anesthetic as compared to HRPM conducted without anesthetic.