MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Aspiration pneumonia

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Aspiration pneumonia

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Alternative names Return to top

Anaerobic pneumonia; Aspiration of vomitus; Necrotizing pneumonia

Definition Return to top

Aspiration pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs and bronchial tubes caused by inhaling foreign material, usually food, drink, vomit, or secretions from the mouth into the lungs. This may progress to form a collection of pus in the lungs (lung abscess).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Aspiration of foreign material (often the stomach contents) into the lung can be a result of disorders that affect normal swallowing, disorders of the esophagus (esophageal stricture, gastroesophageal reflux), or decreased or absent gag reflex (in unconscious, or semi-conscious individuals). Old age, dental problems, use of sedative drugs, anesthesia, coma, and excessive alcohol consumption are also causal or contributing factors. The response of the lungs depends upon the characteristics and amount of the aspirated substance. The more acidic the material, the greater the degree of lung injury, although this may not necessary lead to pneumonia.

The injured lungs can become infected with multiple species of anaerobic bacteria or aerobic bacteria. A collection of pus may form in the lung. A protective membrane may form around the abscess.

Symptoms Return to top

fever
fatigue
cough
- with foul-smelling sputum
- with sputum containing pus or blood
- with greenish sputum
chest pain
shortness of breath
bluish discoloration of the skin caused by lack of oxygen
rapid pulse (heart rate)
wheezing

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

Signs and tests Return to top

Physical examination may reveal crackling sounds in the lungs.
These tests also help diagnose this condition:

chest X-ray
sputum culture
CBC
blood culture
bronchoscopy
swallowing studies

Treatment Return to top

Hospitalization may be required for management of the illness. Treatment measures vary depending on the severity of the pneumonia. Antibiotics, which treat the organisms in the environment, may be given. Patients may receive special antibiotics to treat organisms that may live in the mouth.

The types of organisms present depend on the health of the patient and where they live (private residence, chronic nursing facility, etc.).

Patients may need to have their swallowing function assessed. If there is difficulty with proper swallowing, other methods of feeding the patient may be necessary.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

The outcome depends on the severity of the pneumonia, the type of organism, the extent of lung involvement. If acute respiratory failure develops, the patient may have a prolonged illness or die.

Complications Return to top

spread of infection to the blood stream (bacteremia)
spread of infection to other areas of the body
low blood pressure
shock
adult respiratory distress syndrome
pneumonia with lung abscess

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call your health care provider, go to the emergency room, or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if shortness of breath, wheezing, chills, fever, or chest pain occur.

Prevention Return to top

awareness of the risk of aspiration
avoid behaviors which may lead to aspiration

Update Date: 5/6/2003

Updated by: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.