Aerodigestive Health,
Evolving with Precision
Did you know that over 90 million people in the U.S. suffer from an aerodigestive issue?
​The 3 D's of Aerodigestive Health Disorders
Aerodigestive health is directly linked to survivability and quality of life for humans and animals. It encompasses the complex interplay of functions involving the upper airway, pulmonary tract, and upper digestive system. These vital functions often serve as early indicators of disease onset, particularly in neurological conditions. The "3 D's" of aerodigestive health disorders are:
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Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing, which can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and increased risk of aspiration pneumonia. ​
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Dysarthria and Dysphonia: Impaired speech articulation and vocal communication, potentially impacting quality of life. ​
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Dyspnea: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, which can significantly affect daily activities and overall well-being.​
These issues are common symptoms in various medical conditions, including congenital syndromes, age-related neurological diseases, head and neck cancer, traumatic brain injury, and advanced healthy aging. Early detection and management of these issues are crucial for maintaining overall health and quality of life.
Aerodigestive Tract Vulnerabilities
The aerodigestive tract is a complex system that encompasses the shared pathways of the respiratory and upper digestive tracts, including structures like the lips, mouth, tongue, throat, vocal folds, and windpipe. These interconnected organs and tissues are crucial for essential functions such as swallowing, breathing, and speaking. Despite their importance, these structures are surprisingly vulnerable to various challenges, the causes of which are not yet fully understood. The aerodigestive tract is particularly vulnerable to:
Neurological Conditions
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Stroke
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ALS
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Parkinson's Disease
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Multiple Sclerosis
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Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
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Alzheimer's Disease
Childhood Genetic Disorders
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Prader-Willi Syndrome
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Batten Disease
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Fragile X Syndrome
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Down Syndrome
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Muscular Dystrophy
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Pompe Disease
Head & Neck Cancer
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Tumors in and around the throat, larynx, nose, sinuses, and mouth
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Associated treatment interventions (e.g., surgical removal, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy)
Importantly, companion animals (e.g., dogs, cats, horses, etc.) can also develop many of these same or similar health conditions as people and are therefore likewise vulnerable to aerodigestive health problems.
AHC’s One Health Approach
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At Aerodigestive Health Corporation (AHC), we embrace the One Health Approach, a collaborative and integrative framework that recognizes the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment. This philosophy underpins our mission to revolutionize aerodigestive healthcare by addressing critical unmet needs in breathing, swallowing, and speaking for both humans and companion animals.
Focus on Aspiration Pneumonia​​
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​Aspiration pneumonia, a significant concern in aerodigestive health that compromises even the most basic function of taking a breath, occurs when food, liquids, or other substances are inhaled into the lungs, leading to inflammation and infection.
This condition affects 300,000 to 600,000 individuals each year in the U.S. and accounts for a notable percentage of pneumonia cases in hospitalized patients, specifically ranging from 5% to 15%.
The prevalence and severity of aspiration pneumonia underscore the urgent need for proactive strategies to improve patient outcomes, emphasizing the importance of prevention and early intervention one breath at a time.
​Aspiration Pneumonia: Quick Stats
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Mortality rate: 10.6% to 21%.
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Hospital prevalence: 13.6% of pneumonia patients.
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Readmission mortality: Up to 57.1%.
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Age-related deaths: 76% in those 75+.
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Higher readmission risk compared to non-aspiration pneumonia.
Aerodigestive Health Care for Everyone
Aerodigestive Health Corporation (AHC) is rapidly expanding the reach of its innovative technologies to serve pediatric, geriatric, and veterinary populations. AHC's solutions facilitate multi-disciplinary, coordinated care for children with complex medical needs, older adults, and companion animals. The increasing adoption of AHC's technologies reflects a growing recognition of the importance of specialized, integrated care for aerodigestive disorders across different age groups and species.
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For children, AHC's technologies offer comprehensive care solutions for conditions such as chronic cough, dysphagia, and airway obstructions. In older adults, AHC's innovations address age-related swallowing difficulties and respiratory issues. For pets, particularly dogs and cats, AHC's technologies are enabling innovative diagnostic techniques like videofluoroscopy to better understand and treat swallowing disorders.
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By positioning itself at the forefront of these market trends, AHC is well-placed to capitalize on the growing demand for innovative, data-driven solutions in aerodigestive health across diverse populations. Our focus on precision diagnostics and treatments for humans of all ages and companion animals uniquely positions us to address critical unmet needs in this expanding market.
Blueprint for Success
AHC is transforming aerodigestive healthcare through objective measurement and innovative technologies. We are replacing subjective assessments with quantifiable, data-driven metrics to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy, working toward solutions that standardize patient outcomes across human and animal health.
Innovation
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Medical Devices
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Diagnostic Tools
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Targeted Treatments
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Minimal to Non-Invasive Approaches
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Methods and Workflows
Objectivity
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Computer-Based Tools
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Functional Biomarkers
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Earlier Disease Detection
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Monitoring Disease Progression
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Quantifying Response to Treatment
Standardization
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Methods
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Protocols
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Reproductive Results
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Clinical and Research Settings
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Data Management
Commercializing Advanced Technologies
AHC is developing game-changing solutions that address critical unmet needs in breathing, swallowing, and speaking for both humans and companion animals. Leveraging a robust technology portfolio, AHC is actively evaluating and commercializing prospective aerodigestive health technologies to transform patient care and capture a significant share of the rapidly expanding global market.
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FluoroKennel is just one example of AHC's innovative technologies that change videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) involving companion pets for the better.
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FluoroKennel is a patented and smartly designed kennel that provides a natural alternative to lateral/sternal recumbency and restraint techniques during fluoroscopic imaging. Free-standing, self-feeding, less handling, and less anxiety set FluoroKennel apart from other fluoroscopic assessment methods for aerodigestive/swallowing disorders in companion animals.