Aspiration pneumonia: causes, symptoms and drugs

Definition

What is aspiration pneumonia?

Aspiration pneumonia is a type of pneumonia that occurs as a result of inhaling food, drink, vomiting, or saliva into your lungs. This condition is more likely to occur if something interferes with your reflexes, such as a brain injury or swallowing problems, or excessive alcohol or drug use.

How common is this condition?

Everyone of all ages can get this disease. This type of pneumonia can be a serious problem in children, people older than 65, and people with other health problems or low immune systems.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of aspiration pneumonia?

The symptoms of aspiration pneumonia are the same as for other types of pneumonia. Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, pneumonia symptoms can be categorized from mild to severe, depending on several factors, including the germs that cause infection, your age, and your health condition.

Some of the common symptoms that arise from aspiration pneumonia are:

• Chest pain when breathing in or coughing
• Dazedness or altered mental awareness (in adults 65 years of age or older)
• Cough with phlegm
• Fatigue
• Fever, sweating, and chills
• Lower than normal body temperature (in adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems)
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Hard to breathe

Newborns and toddlers may not show any signs and symptoms. However, they may have a fever and cough, appear less excited, or find it difficult to breathe and eat.

When should you see a doctor?

Tell your doctor right away if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, fever up to 39 ℃ or more, coughing, especially if you have a cough with pus.

It is important to see a doctor immediately in people at high risk, such as:

• Adults over 65 years of age
• Children younger than 2 years with signs and symptoms
• People with other health problems or a low immune system
• People who are undergoing chemotherapy or taking drugs that can suppress the immune system

Pneumonia can be a serious and life-threatening condition in the elderly and people with liver failure or chronic lung problems.

Cause

What are the causes of aspiration pneumonia?

The cause of aspiration pneumonia is the failure of the body's processes to prevent food or other substances from entering the windpipe and lungs. These objects can cause inflammation or infection of the lungs.

The most common cause of pneumonia is bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. However, in aspiration pneumonia, the germs involved depend on the substance or object inhaled into the lungs.

What conditions can increase your risk of developing aspiration pneumonia?

Quoted from an article published by the US National Library of Medicine, the following are health conditions that can increase your risk of developing aspiration pneumonia:

• Stroke
• Drug overdose
• Alcoholism
• Seizures
• Head trauma
• Dementia
• Parkinson's disease
• Narrowing of the esophagus
• GERD
• Pseudobulbar palsy
• Tracheostomy
• Bronchoscopy
• Prolonged vomiting

In addition, other common risk factors for aspiration pneumonia are altered mental status, disorders of the nervous system and brain, impaired motility of the esophagus (the tube that carries food), and blockage of the gastric outlet.

Patients who are hospitalized because of community-acquired pneumonia or pneumonia acquired from the community also has the potential for aspiration pneumonia.

Treatment

How to diagnose this condition?

The doctor will begin the examination by asking about your medical history and performing a physical exam. This includes listening to the sounds of your lungs with a stethoscope to check for sounds that indicate pneumonia.

The diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia should be suspected, especially in patients who are hospitalized in critical condition. To confirm the diagnosis, an imaging test in the form of a chest x-ray will need to be done.

On a chest X-ray of aspiration pneumonia, the substance that is inhaled by the lungs is seen in a small volume. In addition, your doctor may ask you to do the following tests:

• Blood test. Blood tests are done to confirm an infection and describe what type of germ is causing the infection.
• Pulse oximetry. This test can measure the level of oxygen in your blood.
• Sputum test. A fluid sample from your lungs (sputum) is taken after a deep stone and studied to determine the cause of infection.

If you are over 65 years of age and have other health conditions, your doctor may ask you to do the following tests:

• CT scan. Your doctor may recommend a chest CT scan to get more detailed images of your lungs.
• Pleural fluid culture. A fluid sample is taken by placing a needle between your ribs from the pleural area and studied to help determine the type of infection.

How to treat aspiration pneumonia?

Aspiration pneumonia treatment is done to treat the infection, prevent the lungs from inhaling more substances, and reduce the risk of complications due to pneumonia. Treatment for this condition depends on your age and your overall health condition. Treatment options for this type of pneumonia are:

• Antibiotics
  Antibiotics are usually given to treat pneumonia in general, although they are not needed in aspiration pneumonia. Administration of antibiotics, such as ampicillin-sulbactam or a combination of metronidazole and amoxicillin, is useful for preventing disease progression.

• Cough medicine
  This medicine is used to treat coughs, so you can rest. Coughing can loosen and drain fluid from the lungs.

• Pain relievers
  You can take pain relievers if necessary. These medications include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), and acetaminophen (Tylenol).

You may need additional oxygen supply through intensive care in the hospital. In some conditions, especially if the symptoms you feel are severe, you can use a breathing machine or ventilator.

After going through treatment, you are also advised to do several things to prevent pneumonia from recurring. You are advised to sleep with your head higher. If you have difficulty swallowing, eat smaller meals.

Home remedies

What are the lifestyle and home remedies I can take to treat aspiration pneumonia?

Home remedies for pneumonia and lifestyle changes below to help you recover faster and reduce your risk of developing complications:

• Rest. Don't do a routine just yet if your body temperature hasn't returned to normal, or if your cough hasn't subsided.

• Drink water. Drink lots of water to help loosen the mucus in your lungs.

• Take medication according to a doctor's prescription. Take all of the medicines your doctor prescribes for you. If you stop taking your medication prematurely, your lungs can continue to harbor bacteria that can multiply and cause a recurrence.

If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to find the best solution for you.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.