Subglottic secretion volume and viscosity: effect of systemic volume and oral hydration.

Objectives: Removal of secretions from the subglottic space, which is the larynx cavity below the glottis that contains the vocal cords, reduces the risk for ventilator associated pneumonia. Relationships between factors associated with subglottic secretion volume and viscosity have not been investigated. Subglottic secretions may have a possible link with systemic volume status and oral cavity hydration.