**7.2 Pediatric population**

The accurate incidence rate of aspiration pneumonitis in pediatric anesthesia is unknown. However, it has been acknowledged as a rare event, it was reported as three times more common than in adults [46]. A prospective survey between 1978 and 1982 found only four aspirations among 40,240 in pediatric general anesthesia reported with no morbidity or mortality was reported. Other studies based on esophageal pH monitoring and barium contrast have stated that silent pulmonary aspiration may be more frequent in pediatric population with no neurological or anatomical abnormalities than in adults, with no respiratory consequences. Diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia in children should be made only if there are swallowing difficulties, known gastro-esophageal reflux or a witnessed aspiration [47].
