Aerodigestive and Esophageal Diseases

Aerodigestive disorders (AeroD) encompass a wide range of clinical syndromes, reflecting disruption of the interactions between the respiratory and alimentary tracts. The aerodigestive tract includes the pharynx (nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx), larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles, esophagus, and esophageal gastric junction. Airway protection (AirPro) remains a key but underrecognized function of the alimentary tract. The esophagus plays an important role in AirPro such that most forms of esophageal disease are considered “AeroD.”