Management of oropharyngeal and tracheobronchial secretions in patients with neurologic disease.
BACKGROUND
Neurologic disorders may impair the normal clearance of secretions. Effective palliation requires the management of excessive oral, pharyngeal and/or tracheobronchial secretions. This requires an understanding of underlying mechanisms and familiarity with the many available medical and surgical treatment options.


OBJECTIVE
The authors intend to review the relevant anatomy and physiology along with the available medical, surgical and physical therapies available to treat this commonly encountered problem.


METHODS
A review of current management and the supporting literature.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians have many effective therapeutic options to choose from when managing the excessive oral, pharyngeal and/or tracheobronchial secretions caused by neurologic disorders. Treatment choices that are predicated upon pathophysiologic causes and patient status are the most likely to succeed.
Elman
Lauren B
LB
Department of Neurology, Division of Speech and Language Pathology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Dubin
Randy M
RM
Kelley
Mary
M
McCluskey
Leo
L
D001980:Bronchi / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000601:surgery; D003680:Deglutition Disorders; D006801:Humans; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009960:Oropharynx / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000601:surgery; D010166:Palliative Care; D014132:Trachea / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000601:surgery; D014481:United States