Managing Aspiration Risk

Aspiration occurs when foreign material, such as food, liquids, vomit, gastric contents, or secretions from the mouth, are inhaled into the lower airways, often leading to inflammation of the lungs and bronchial tubes.

Aspiration can occur with disorders that affect normal swallowing, disorders of the esophagus, a decreased or absent gag reflex, dysphagia, dental problems, use of sedatives, anesthesia, and coma.

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