Question

Why did lorenzo go into convulsions when saliva enters his trachea?

Answer 1

When saliva enters the trachea, it can cause convulsions as a protective mechanism to prevent foreign substances from entering the lungs.

Step-by-step explanation:

When saliva enters the trachea, it can cause a person to go into convulsions due to the reflex action triggered by the body to prevent aspiration of food into the airway. Normally, during swallowing, the soft palate and uvula rise reflexively to close off the entrance to the nasopharynx. At the same time, the larynx is pulled up and the epiglottis, a cartilaginous flap, folds down to cover the glottis. This process effectively blocks access to the trachea and bronchi. However, when saliva or food enters the trachea, the body triggers a cough reflex to forcefully expel it out of the airway. The convulsions serve as a protective mechanism to prevent any foreign substances from entering the lungs.

Answer 2

Lorenzo had a recurring medical condition known as pulmonary aspiration which may have also caused him to go into convulsions. It is thought this condition is brought on by inhaling liquids or solids into the lungs, thereby, creating a scenario where a person may actually convulse.