Aspiration Pneumonia - Symptoms and Treatment

Aspiration Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs and bronchial tubes caused by inhaling foreign material (usually food, drink, vomit , or secretions from the mouth) into the lungs. Aspiration will often result in serious pneumonia. The extent of pneumonitis will be related to the type of material aspirated. The worst pneumonia results from the aspiration of stomach acid. Aspiration pneumonia can become infected secondarily with bacteria, requiring treatment with an antibiotic.Certain types of patients are at high risk for an aspiration into the lungs. Typical symptoms associated with Aspiration pneumonia include cough , chest pain , fever , and difficulty in breathing . Diagnostic tools include x-rays and examination of the sputum. Aspiration Pneumonia is a common illness which occurs in all age groups, and is a leading cause of death among the elderly and people who are chronically ill. Vaccines to prevent certain types of Aspiration pneumonia are available. The prognosis for an individual depends on the type of Aspiration pneumonia, the appropriate treatment, any complications, and the person's underlying health .

Causes of Aspiration Pneumonia

Common Causes of Aspiration Pneumonia :

• Aspiration Pneumonia is caused by an infection or injury to the lower respiratory tract resulting in inflammation. Pneumonia can also result from the aspiration of gastric contents, water, or other irritants.
• Smoking, heavy drinking, heart failure, diabetes, or having a lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also increase the risk of developing pneumonia.
• Aspiration Pneumonia can also be caused by inhaling substances, such as caustic chemicals, food or vomit into the lungs. This is known as "aspiration" pneumonia.
• Alcoholism
• Drug overdose
• Stroke
• Head trauma
• Seizures

Symptoms of Aspiration Pneumonia

Some common Symptoms of Aspiration Pneumonia :

• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain

Treatment of Aspiration Pneumonia

• Antibiotics for those cases that involve bacterial contamination.
• Medications (Proventil) to reverse airway obstruction (wheezing).
• Fever control.
• Assisted mechanical ventilation (respirator) for the some patients who cannot support their respiratory status on their own.