What Is The Cause Of Recurrent Aspiration?

Posted on Fri, 27 Dec 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 27 Dec 2013 Answered on

Mon, 13 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I seem to have liquids "go down the wrong pipe" quite often, or choke when I try to swallow.

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Need formal swallowing study Detailed Answer: Dear patient, Thanks for your important query. Recurrent aspiration is a major cause of morbidity in older patients and ofetn unrecognized. The symptoms you indicate may be indicate of dysphagia, and I would advise you to be seen by a Speech Language Pathologist, who are the true specialists in swallowing. They would do a clinical examination and probably order a barium sawllow test to "see you in action". If dysphagia is noted, they can give recommendations on your diet to avoid aspiration and thus infections like pneumonia. Hope that is helpful, wish you the best, Dr Brenes-Salazar MD Mayo Clinic MN

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar