Table 1.

Distribution of the PAS scores for direct penetrations and inhalations

Penetration–aspiration score	Number of patients
1. Material does not enter the airway	5
2. Material enters the airway, remains above the vocal folds, and is ejected from the airway	2
3. Material enters the airway, remains above the vocal folds, and is not ejected from the airway	2
4. Material enters the airway, contacts the vocal folds, and is ejected from the airway	0
5. Material enters the airway, contacts the vocal folds, and is not ejected from the airway	2
6. Material enters the airway, passes below the vocal folds, and is ejected into the larynx or out of the airway	0
7. Material enters the airway, passes below the vocal folds, and is not ejected from the trachea despite effort	1
8. Material enters the airway, passes below the vocal folds, and no effort is made to eject	9