Aspiration pneumonia
What is Aspiration pneumonia? Aspiration pneumonia is inflammation
of the lungs and bronchial tubes due to breathing in a foreign
material.
Causes
Aspiration pneumonia is caused by inhaling foreign material,
which usually are food, liquids, vomit, or secretions from
the mouth into the lungs. This may lead to an inflammatory
reaction, a lung infection . . . pneumonia, or a collection
of pus in lungs . . . lung abscess.
Aspiration of foreign material, which is often the stomach
contents into the lung can occur with disorders that affect
normal swallowing or disorders of the esophagus (esophageal
stricture, gastroesophageal reflux). It also can be caused
by a decreased or absent gag reflex in people who are not
alert . . . conscious or semi-conscious.
Old age, dental problems, sedatives, anesthesia, coma, and
excessive alcohol use can also lead to this problem. The more
acidic the material breathed into the lungs, the more severe
the lung injury, although it may not necessarily lead to pneumonia.
Symptoms
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Cough:
- With foul-smelling sputum
- With sputum containing pus or blood
- With greenish sputum
-
Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Bluish discoloration of the skin caused by lack of oxygen
- Rapid pulse (heart rate)
- Wheezing
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
- Sweating, excessive
- Swallowing difficulty
- Breath odor
Exams and Tests
Physical examination may reveal crackling sounds in the lungs.
These tests also help diagnose this condition:
- Chest x-ray
- Sputum culture
- CBC
- Blood culture
- Bronchoscopy
- Swallowing studies
- CT scan of the chest
Treatment
Some people may require hospitalization. Treatment varies
depending on the severity of the pneumonia. Antibiotics, which
treat the organisms in the environment, may be given. Patients
may receive special antibiotics to treat organisms that live
in the mouth.
The types of organisms present depend on the patient's health
and location, such as private residence or chronic nursing
facility, for instance.
Patients may need to have their swallowing function assessed.
If they have trouble swallowing, patients may need to use
other feeding methods.
Outlook . . . Prognosis
The outcome depends on the severity of the pneumonia, the
type of organism, and the extent of lung involvement. If acute
respiratory failure develops, the patient may have a prolonged
illness or die.
Possible Complications
- Spread of infection to the blood stream (bacteremia)
- Spread of infection to other areas of the body
- Low blood pressure
- Shock
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Pneumonia with lung abscess
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider, go to the emergency room,
or call the local emergency number 911 if you have shortness
of breath, wheezing, chills, fever, or chest pain.
Prevention
- Become aware of the risk of aspiration
- Avoid behaviors that may lead to aspiration
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