Aspiration is the term used to describe the process of food and/or fluid entering the airway below the level of the vocal folds meaning food and fluid enters the lungs. Mealtime partners should be aware of the following risk factors during mealtimes;
- Poor oral-motor coordination
- Coughing (immediate or delayed) and/or throat clearing
- Eyes watering, blinking, widening or shutting
- Facial grimacing
- Noisy or wet voice quality
- Change in breathing
- Fatigue/pace
- Effortful swallowing
- Wheezing
- Change in facial colour
Mealtime partners should be aware of the above risk factors when supporting children and young adults at mealtimes and should request assessment from a Speech and Language Therapist. It is important to note that a child may dysphagia without any of these symptoms being present, this is known as ‘silent aspiration’.
- Chest infections
