Causes, Risk Factors, And Complications Of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Aspiration

Aspiration is a term used to describe when an individual accidentally inhales a foreign object into their windpipe, airways, and lungs. Aspiration is typically caused by food particles, fluids, saliva, water, stomach contents, smoke, dust, or fumes. When a foreign object is aspirated into the lungs, it can cause partial obstruction of the airway and problems with breathing. The most common causes of aspiration in progressive supranuclear palsy patients are a lack of control of the tongue and an impaired swallowing reflex. Dysphagia describes issues with swallowing due to an underlying problem or structural defect. Dysphagia is common in neurological diseases like dementia and progressive supranuclear palsy because the brain can no longer communicate with the nerves responsible for moving the muscles that produce swallowing. Aspiration increases an individual's risk of developing pneumonia.

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