Which of the following is most likely to result in a swallowing disorder?

A nervous system disorder is most likely to result in a swallowing disorder because the processes of swallowing involve a complex interplay of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Disorders that affect the brain or spinal cord can disrupt the neural pathways that control the muscles responsible for swallowing. For instance, conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis can impair muscle coordination and control, leading to dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).

In contrast, while gastrointestinal disorders may lead to swallowing difficulties, they typically cause issues further along in the digestive process rather than affecting the actual act of swallowing itself. Respiratory diseases primarily impact breathing and may indirectly affect swallowing if an individual has difficulty coordinating these two actions, but they are not the main cause of swallowing disorders. Allergies, while they can lead to swelling or inflammation in the throat, are less likely to be a direct cause of swallowing disorders compared to the profound impact that nervous system dysfunction can have on the swallowing mechanism.