What is aspiration pneumonia?

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Sun, 09/10/2011 - 11:03am

Aspiration pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs and airways caused by breathing in foreign material.

Aspiration pneumonia can occur when foreign material (food, fluid, vomit) enters the airways causing infection and damage to the lungs.

Aspiration pneumonia is common in frail older people with impaired swallowing or impaired consciousness. This could be due to advanced dementia, stroke, Parkinson's disease, overuse of sedation or dental problems.

People at risk of aspiration pneumonia include anyone on gastroscopy tube feeds or naso-gastric feeding.

Signs of aspiration pneumonia

Signs of aspiration pneumonia can be subtle and overlooked or a person may appear to be choking or in acute respiratory distress.

If you suspect the person you are caring for has aspiration pneumonia seek urgent medical attention.

Signs of aspiration pneumonia include:

Cough with sputum may be greenish, mixed with pus, blood or foul smelling
Change in skin colour due to lack of oxygen (blue,grey skin colour)
Chest pain
Wheezing shortness of breath
Breath odour
Excessive sweating
Fatigue
Swallowing difficulty

(Source, MedlinePlus 2009)

Treatment of aspiration pneumonia

Treatment of aspiration pneumonia depends on the severity and cause of the pneumonia. It is mostly treated by antibiotics.

People at risk of aspiration pneumonia usually have severe underlying chronic illness that can effect the success of pneumonia treatment.

In severe cases acute respiratory failure can develop and prognosis can be poor. Treatment of aspiration pneumonia generally occurs in hospital.

People at risk of aspiration pneumonia need to be closely monitored. Seek emergency medical help if signs of aspiration occur.

To reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia ensure you;

Practice good handwashing and infection control
Inform a doctor about persistent constipation
Inform a doctor if the person has difficulty swallowing or coughs when they eat
Supervise meals and drinks
Ensure good oral hygiene
Monitor use of sedation
Make sure anyone with impaired swallowing is reviewed regularly by a speech pathologist and doctor especially after ill-health.