What is a condition that occurs when food or liquid enters the lungs?

Aspiration refers to the condition where food, liquid, or other foreign materials are accidentally inhaled into the lungs instead of being swallowed into the esophagus. This can happen when there is a failure in the swallowing mechanism or when a person is unable to properly control their swallowing due to various medical conditions. Aspiration can lead to serious complications, such as aspiration pneumonia, which occurs when the inhaled substances cause an infection in the lungs.

In contrast, choking typically refers to the blockage of the airway that prevents breathing, which is different from the act of an item entering the lungs. Dysphagia is the difficulty in swallowing itself, while dehydration refers to a lack of sufficient water in the body. Each of these conditions is distinct, underscoring the specific nature of aspiration as the condition where food or liquid enters the lungs.