Associations and interactions between the esophagus and the lower respiratory tract

There are important interactions between the esophagus and the lower respiratory tract (LRT). These occur because of their physical proximity and the functional activities. Malfunctions or lack of coordination between these organs leads to serious human illness such as asthma, aspiration pneumonia, and gastroesophageal reflux. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.