Causes And Risk Factors For Aspiration

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a disorder of the digestive system that causes stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. The backwash of stomach acid that enters an affected individual's esophagus causes inflammation and damage to the esophageal tissues. Acid reflux is the backwash of acid into the esophagus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease describes episodes of acid reflux that occur at least twice per week in an individual. The inflammation that occurs in the esophagus of a gastroesophageal reflux disease patient causes its tissues to become swollen and the inner esophageal tube to become more narrow than usual. An individual who has a swollen and narrowed esophagus is more likely to experience aspiration because food can be redirected into the windpipe easier.

Read more about the risk factors linked to aspiration now.