European journal of anaesthesiology
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Observational Study
Swallowing ability and intra-oral water-retaining ability during moderate propofol sedation in healthy human volunteers: A prospective observational study.
The cough reflex or aspiration under monitored anaesthesia care might be associated with sedative-induced changes in swallowing and intra-oral water-retaining abilities. ⋯ Moderate propofol sedation decreases water-retaining ability but has no effect on voluntary swallowing. Ensuring that patients can respond under sedation may effectively prevent the unexpected cough reflex and aspiration by enabling occasional voluntary swallowing.