I. Introduction
II. Pathophysiology, Etiology and Prevalence
1. Prevalence
III. Gastrointestinal Tract and Aspiration
1. Oral Cavity
2. Pharynx
3. Esophagus
IV. Swallowing and Aspiration
1. Oral Phase
2. Pharyngeal Phase
3. Esophageal Phase
V. Dysphagia
VI. Reflexes and Aspiration
1. Cough Reflex
2. Gag Reflex
3. Expiration Reflex
4. Esophagoglottic Closure Reflex
5. Laryngeal Adductor Reflex
6. Pharyngoglottal Reflex
VII. Causes of Aspiration
VIII. Outcomes and Complications of Aspiration
1. Aspiration Pneumonia
IX. Aspiration Pneumonitis
X. Aspiration Prevention
1. Screening for Aspiration
2. Aspiration Prevention Interventions
3. Positioning
4. Digestive Tract Decontamination
5. Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis
6. Gastric Volume Measuring
7. Subglottic Drainage
8. Minimizing Sedation
XI. Case Studies: Pediatric Aspiration
1. Case Study 1: Five Year Old Male
2. Case Study 2: 18 Month Old Female
XII. Summary