Abstract
Swallowing is a complex biomechanical process that is synchronized with breathing to protect the airway. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) altered upper airway protective mechanisms coupled to ventilatory adaptations may lead to laryngeal penetration during swallow that can be followed by pulmonary aspiration. To date investigations have reported a spectrum of swallow and breathing dysfunction in COPD ranging from mild (laryngeal penetration) to severe abnormality (pulmonary aspiration). However, the prevalence of penetration and aspiration in COPD is uncertain and important aspects such as a role in recurrent lung infections and repeated exacerbations are not understood. Current evidence indicates that aspiration during swallow occurs in up to 25% of individuals with COPD. Factors putatively associated with aspiration include increased respiratory rate, reduced laryngeal elevation during swallow, post-swallow pharyngeal residue and inspiration-swallow patterns. Timely identification of indi...
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
