What term refers to the process of inhaling food, fluid, or a foreign substance into the respiratory tract?

Aspiration refers specifically to the act of inhaling food, fluid, or other foreign substances into the respiratory tract, which can lead to serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia. This is a critical concept in healthcare, as understanding how these materials can enter the airway helps in preventing and managing potential respiratory issues that arise during procedures, feeding, or in patients with swallowing difficulties.

In contrast, inhalation generally refers to the act of breathing in air, which is not specific to food or foreign substances. Ventilation pertains to the process of moving air in and out of the lungs, focusing on the mechanics of breathing rather than the accidental entry of substances. Regurgitation is the process of bringing food back up from the stomach to the mouth, which is not related to the inhalation of materials into the respiratory tract.