Spaceflight dramatically changes the human body, causing muscle atrophy, bone density loss, and fluid shifts toward the head, leading to puffy faces and nasal congestion similar to a lingering cold. These changes may affect swallowing, a complex process involving over 30 muscles and nerves that must work in perfect sequence to move food from the mouth to the stomach while protecting the airway. While swallowing does not depend on gravity, microgravity alters fluid distribution, potentially causing swelling, congestion, and pressure changes around the mouth and throat that could make eating and drinking more difficult.