Does recurrentor severe aspiration imply underlying oropharyngeal dysfunction despite a reassuring SLP/VFSS evaluation?
GI is often consulted when esophageal dysmotility, poor clearance, or reflux is identified on video-fluoroscopic swallowing evaluation. While these may contribute to aspiration, many patients with significant esophageal obstruction do not aspirate. Can esophageal dysfunction alone account for recurrent aspiration with otherwise intact airway protection, or should occult/intermittent oropharyngeal dysfunction remain a concern?
1 Answer
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Gastroenterology · University of Florida
Answered on
Attributing recurrent, clinically significant aspiration purely to the esophagus is mechanistically weak in the context of normal airway protective mechanisms. When the clinical picture is true macroaspiration, the coherent mechanisms are an oropharyngeal source with failed (often silent) airway pro...
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