Terms & Definitions

Question 1

Silent Aspiration

Answer 1

Material enters the laryngeal vestibule below the level of VF without any outward signs from patient (cough, reports, etc.)

Question 2

Aspiration

Answer 2

Material enters the laryngeal vestibule below the level of the VF

Question 3

Penetration

Answer 3

Material enters the laryngeal vestibule but does not pass the level of the VF

Question 4

Dysphagia

Answer 4

Swallowing disorder that involves one or any of the stages of swallowing (oral prep, oral stage, pharyngeal, oesophageal). It is a symptom of a disease not a primary medical diagnosis. IT is characterised by a delay or misdirection of something swallowed as food moves from the mouth to the stomach. It has both medical and psychosocial consequences in a patient’s life.

Question 5

Feeding disorder

Answer 5

The disorder in the process of food transport.

Question 6

Aspiration pneumonia

Answer 6

A lung infection that is produced as a consequence of food/drink material entering the airway (aspiration). This may lead to further medical complications and requires immediate medical attention.

Question 7

VFSS

Answer 7

Standing for Video A type of assessment used in diagnosing dysphagia.