Aspiration pneumonia is a lung infection caused by the aspiration or inhalation of liquids or particles that came from the mouth or stomach, reaching the respiratory tract, and leading to the appearance of some signs and symptoms such as coughing, a feeling of shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. to breathe, for example.
Aspiration pneumonia, also called aspiration pneumonia, is normally associated with changes in swallowing and, therefore, occurs more frequently in babies, the elderly and people who breathe with the help of devices.
It is important that the diagnosis and treatment for aspiration pneumonia is started quickly to prevent complications, as this type of pneumonia is more common in people who have a more weakened immune system.
Symptoms of aspiration pneumonia
The main symptoms of aspiration pneumonia are:
- Fever above 38ºC;
- Cough with phlegm, which often has a bad smell;
- Feeling of shortness of breath;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Chest pain;
- Easy fatigue.
The symptoms of pneumonia in babies can be different, manifesting mainly through excessive crying and decreased appetite. In the case of older people, there may also be mental confusion and decreased muscle strength, and there may or may not be a fever in some cases.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia is made by a pulmonologist or general practitioner based on the evaluation of the signs and symptoms presented by the person and their health history. In addition, to confirm pneumonia and the cause, imaging tests can be performed, such as chest x-ray and abdominal ultrasound, in some cases, blood tests, such as a blood count, and microbiological analysis of sputum.
It may also be recommended to carry out an oxygen saturation assessment, which assesses the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood. See more about oxygen saturation.
Main causes
Aspiration pneumonia is more common in people who have difficulty swallowing, and is more common in some situations:
- Breathing with the help of devices;
- AVC;
- Unconsciousness due to medication or anesthesia;
- Reflux;
- Choking on vomit;
- Esophageal malformations;
- After dental, digestive or respiratory diagnostic or surgical procedures.
This type of pneumonia can occur more frequently in babies and older people, and it is important to identify the cause of the pneumonia so that the most appropriate treatment can be initiated.
Aspiration pneumonia in babies
Aspiration pneumonia in babies is one of the main lung infections in children under 1 year of age, as it is common for infants to choke or put small objects in their mouth, which can go into the lungs. Generally, this pneumonia is caused by choking on vomit, and can happen when the baby has malformations of the esophagus, such as atresia or when regurgitated on its back.
Treatment for aspiration pneumonia in babies must be carried out according to the pediatrician’s instructions, and can be done at home with the use of antibiotic syrups, however, in some cases, hospitalization may be necessary, depending on the severity of the disease.
How the treatment is carried out
The treatment of aspiration pneumonia must be done according to the pulmonologist’s recommendation and most of the time lasts about 1 to 2 weeks and can be done at home with the use of antibiotics, such as Ceftriaxone, Levofloxacin, Ampicillin-sulbactam and can be associate Clindamycin in more severe cases. However, depending on the severity of the disease and the patient’s health status, hospitalization may be necessary.
During treatment, the patient should always brush their teeth, keep their mouth clean and clear their throat, as these are great ways to prevent the transport of bacteria from the mouth to the lungs.
In the elderly, in addition to treating aspiration pneumonia, it is important to prevent the problem that led to pneumonia from recurring. To achieve this, techniques can be used such as eating solid foods, in small quantities, and taking gelatin instead of water.
After treatment, it may be recommended to perform a chest x-ray to confirm that there is no fluid in the lungs, as well as avoiding places with a lot of pollution, taking the pneumococcal vaccine and evaluating measures to prevent new aspiration and prevent pneumonia. come back.
Bibliography
- KOMIYA, Kosaku et al. Prognostic implications of aspiration pneumonia in patients with community acquired pneumonia: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Nature Scientific Reports. 2016
- DIBARDINO, David M.; WUNDERINK, Richard G. Aspiration pneumonia: A review of modern trends. Journal of Critical Care. Vol 30. 1 ed; 40-48, 2015
