aerodigestive

Aerodigestive is an adjective used to describe the integrated functional unit formed by the airway and the upper portion of the digestive tract. The term is commonly applied to describe the coordinated activities of breathing, swallowing, and airway protection, and to highlight the close anatomical and physiological relationships between the two systems. It is not a single structure but a conceptual framework used in medicine to discuss disorders that affect both respiration and digestion.

Anatomy and physiology within the aerodigestive concept cover several regions that work together. The upper airway includes the nasal passages, oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, while the upper digestive tract involves the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus. The pharynx serves as a shared passage for air and swallowed material, and extensive neural control coordinates respiration and deglutition. Mucosal immunity and mucociliary clearance help protect the entire aerodigestive tract from airborne and ingested irritants, while reflexes such as coughing and swallowing help prevent aspiration.

Clinical relevance spans conditions where respiratory and digestive processes interact. Gastroesophageal and laryngopharyngeal reflux can irritate the airway; chronic cough, wheeze, and asthma-like symptoms may have a digestive component; dysphagia and aspiration risk are concerns in many disorders; sleep-disordered breathing can relate to airway and swallowing function; and tumors or congenital abnormalities may involve both systems. In pediatrics and adult medicine, the aerodigestive concept supports multidisciplinary assessment and management.

Management often involves an interdisciplinary approach, including ENT, gastroenterology, pulmonology, and speech-language pathology. The field emphasizes integrated evaluation of swallowing, airway, and reflux, with treatment tailored to restore safe swallowing, protect the airway, and improve overall function.