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.
Objectives: 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.
Design: 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.
