Aspiration Pneumonia

Definition

Definition of Aspiration Pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia is bronchopneumonia that develops due to the entrance of foreign materials into the bronchial tree, usually oral or gastric contents (including food, saliva, or nasal secretions). Depending on the acidity of the aspirate, a chemical pneumonitis can develop, and bacterial pathogens (particularly anaerobic bacteria) may add to the inflammation.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Aspiration Pneumonia

1. Bluish discoloration of the skin caused by lack of oxygen
2. Chest pain
3. Cough
4. Fatigue
5. Fever
6. Shortness of breath
7. Wheezing

Causes

Causes of Aspiration Pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia is often caused by an incompetent swallowing mechanism, such as occurs in some forms of neurological disease or injury including multiple sclerosis, CVA (stroke) or intoxication. An iatrogenic cause is during general anaesthesia for an operation and patients are therefore instructed to be nil per os (NPO) (aka Nothing By Mouth) for at least four hours before surgery.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Aspiration Pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia is typically diagnosed by a combination of clinical circumstances (debilitated or neurologically impaired patient), radiologic findings (right lower lobe pneumonia) and microbiologic cultures. Some cases of aspiration pneumonia are caused by aspiration of food particles or other particulate substances like pill fragments; these can be diagnosed by pathologists on lung biopsy specimens.

Treatment

Treatment of Aspiration Pneumonia
Some people may need to be hospitalized. Treatment depends on the severity of the pneumonia. You may receive antibiotics, which treat bacteria. Some people may get special antibiotics to treat bacteria that live in the mouth.

The type of bacteria that caused the pneumonia depends on:

1. Your health
2. Where you live (at home or in a long-term nursing facility, for example)
3. Whether you've recently been hospitalized
4. Recent antibiotic use

Prognosis

Prognosis of Aspiration Pneumonia
The outcome depends on:

1. The severity of the pneumonia
2. The type of bacteria causing the pneumonia
3. How much of the lungs are involved

Prevention

Prevention of Aspiration Pneumonia
Avoid behaviors that may lead to aspiration, such as excessive alcohol use
Become aware of the risk of aspiration