OVERVIEW.

Aspiration of vomitus involves the inhalation of regurgitated gastric contents into the pulmonary system.¹ It may be unsafe to have patients feed by mouth if they are at high risk for aspiration. Signs of a person with high risk for aspiration include decreased alertness, decreased responsiveness, absent swallow, absent protective cough, difficulty handling secretions (excessive cough, choking), copious secretions, a wet gurgling voice quality, or a decreased movement (range and strength) of oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal areas.²

Aspiration precautions, particularly in persons with neurological impairments, are listed below. Nevertheless, it is important to note that sources in the literature do recommend an individual approach to managing swallowing problems. In other words, not all patients will respond well to one particular positioning intervention to ensure a safe swallow.