Aspiration pneumonia

Aspiration Pneumonia is a type of lung infection that occurs when food, stomach acid, or saliva is inhaled into the lungs. It is most common in individuals who have difficulty swallowing or controlling their tongue movements, such as those with neurological disorders or severe alcoholism.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Aspiration pneumonia is caused by inhaling foreign substances into the lungs. This can occur when an individual has difficulty swallowing due to a neurological disorder, severe alcoholism, or other conditions that affect the ability to swallow. The inhaled substances can include food, stomach acid, or saliva.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of aspiration pneumonia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:

Difficulty swallowing
Chest pain
Coughing up foul-smelling, greenish or dark phlegm
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Fever
Fatigue

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia typically involves a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. Additional tests may include a chest X-ray, a CT scan of the chest, or a sputum culture.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for aspiration pneumonia typically involves antibiotics to treat the infection. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required. In addition, treatment may also involve therapies to improve swallowing function and prevent future episodes of aspiration.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention of aspiration pneumonia involves measures to improve swallowing function and prevent aspiration. This may include speech therapy, dietary changes, and in some cases, surgery.