Aspiration pneumonia, an infection of the lungs that develops when one breath into the lungs food particles, puke. One may also inspire content from the stomach up to the windpipe. If this content is not expelled from the lungs, it would lead to bacterial growth. Aspiration pneumonia prevention is however, preventable.
Different conditions increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Normally, as people age, they become less active. The risk is considered highest for people older than 75 years or individuals who have spent a long time in care center of in nursing home. At old age it becomes difficult to swallow or cough well, which increases the risk of this infection.
Other factors may as well enhance the risks of this type of pneumonia. These factors include weak immune systems resulting from diabetes, heart failure, age or other health conditions. In addition, the muscles that aid in the swallowing may become weak because of conditions like Alzheimer conditions, stroke or other diseases. Other risk matters include cigarette smoking, use of ventilators or feeding tubes that permit the passage of bacteria to the lungs, poor oral hygiene as well as alcoholism.
Aspiration pneumonia normally results in the swelling of the lungs and the bronchial tubes. Though not a very common infection, there is a possibility of infection. This infection is many at times caused by anaerobic bacteria. On top of this, viruses or fungi can be a cause of pneumonia however not with aspirations. Even though the immune system tries to fights disease microorganisms to stop them from causing disease, they may at times out-strength immune systems. The infection may occur if anything other than air enters the lungs and hence preventing a normal gag reflex.
While some people are able to effectively expel the aspirate material by making a strong cough, some people cannot because their coughing ability has been impaired. The impaired coughing ability is common in unconscious individuals or people who have brain injuries which result to decreased consciousness. Many people, however, aspirate some saliva every night while asleep but do not develop the infection since they are able clear the aspirate and have a healthy immune system.
This infection comes with a number of signs or symptoms. The symptoms include coughs that have or have no mucus produced, fever, frothy or pink spit, swallowing difficulties as well as bluish skin on areas around fingertips or near the mouth. Other symptoms include chest pains or rapid heartbeat, alterations in your voice like gurgling or hoarseness, loss of weight, loss of appetite as well as fatigue.
The treatment for this condition is, however, dependent on its level of seriousness. A physician may first prescribe antibiotics as his preferred first line treatment. If the infection proves more severe with the patient having problems swallowing, they may be required to stop ingesting food or liquid orally.
It is also possible to prevent or reduce the risk of this condition. This is possible by avoiding such behaviors which can lead to aspiration like excessive drinking. Also proper oral hygiene and dental care can significantly reduce the risk of this infection.
Different conditions increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Normally, as people age, they become less active. The risk is considered highest for people older than 75 years or individuals who have spent a long time in care center of in nursing home. At old age it becomes difficult to swallow or cough well, which increases the risk of this infection.
Other factors may as well enhance the risks of this type of pneumonia. These factors include weak immune systems resulting from diabetes, heart failure, age or other health conditions. In addition, the muscles that aid in the swallowing may become weak because of conditions like Alzheimer conditions, stroke or other diseases. Other risk matters include cigarette smoking, use of ventilators or feeding tubes that permit the passage of bacteria to the lungs, poor oral hygiene as well as alcoholism.
Aspiration pneumonia normally results in the swelling of the lungs and the bronchial tubes. Though not a very common infection, there is a possibility of infection. This infection is many at times caused by anaerobic bacteria. On top of this, viruses or fungi can be a cause of pneumonia however not with aspirations. Even though the immune system tries to fights disease microorganisms to stop them from causing disease, they may at times out-strength immune systems. The infection may occur if anything other than air enters the lungs and hence preventing a normal gag reflex.
While some people are able to effectively expel the aspirate material by making a strong cough, some people cannot because their coughing ability has been impaired. The impaired coughing ability is common in unconscious individuals or people who have brain injuries which result to decreased consciousness. Many people, however, aspirate some saliva every night while asleep but do not develop the infection since they are able clear the aspirate and have a healthy immune system.
This infection comes with a number of signs or symptoms. The symptoms include coughs that have or have no mucus produced, fever, frothy or pink spit, swallowing difficulties as well as bluish skin on areas around fingertips or near the mouth. Other symptoms include chest pains or rapid heartbeat, alterations in your voice like gurgling or hoarseness, loss of weight, loss of appetite as well as fatigue.
The treatment for this condition is, however, dependent on its level of seriousness. A physician may first prescribe antibiotics as his preferred first line treatment. If the infection proves more severe with the patient having problems swallowing, they may be required to stop ingesting food or liquid orally.
It is also possible to prevent or reduce the risk of this condition. This is possible by avoiding such behaviors which can lead to aspiration like excessive drinking. Also proper oral hygiene and dental care can significantly reduce the risk of this infection.
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