Aspiration pneumonia is a kind of infection of the lungs and develops once you inhale liquid, food or vomit into the lungs. At the same time, you may aspirate liquid or food from the stomach and backs up in the esophagus. As a result, bacteria grow into the lungs if the aspirated material is not coughed up causing the infection. However aspiration pneumonia prevention is possible.
Various conditions raise the possibility of aspiration pneumonia. Usually, as individuals become old, they tend to get less active. The risks peak in people of 75 years and above in age or people who have had a lot of their lifetime spent in nursing home care centers. At an elderly age, it is usually difficult to cough or swallow well, which then raises the risks of infection.
Other factors increasing the risks of contracting this pneumonia are weak immunity that comes as a result of diabetes, cardiac arrest, age, and other health issues. Smoking, ventilator use or tubular feeding that may allow bacteria get into the lungs, drinking and poor hygiene are also predisposing factors. Besides, one is also exposed in the event that muscles, which aid swallowing, become weakened due to conditions such as stroke, Alzheimer disease, stroke and other diseases.
Generally, aspiration pneumonia causes inflammation of the lungs as well as bronchial tubes. Although this infection is not very common, it is possible to contract it. The infection is commonly caused by anaerobic bacteria. Also, viruses and fungi may also lead to pneumonia although not with aspiration. Although the immune system fights the invaders to prevent them from causing the infection, sometimes the germs may overpower your immune system. Generally, only air should enter the lungs under normal circumstances, but the infection may occur if anything is hindering the normal gag reflex.
While other people can effectively force out aspirated material by a strong cough, some cannot since their ability to cough is impaired. This is common in unconscious people or in individuals who have had injuries in the brain and therefore resulting in continuous decreased consciousness. Other people also aspirate saliva while asleep in the night but they do not get the infection because they are in a position to clear inspired saliva and they also have a strong 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.
Treating this infection generally depends on the severity. Your physician can initially administer some antibiotics as a first line of cure. Severe infections that are accompanied with trouble in swallowing may require one to stop the intake of liquid or food by mouth.
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.
Various conditions raise the possibility of aspiration pneumonia. Usually, as individuals become old, they tend to get less active. The risks peak in people of 75 years and above in age or people who have had a lot of their lifetime spent in nursing home care centers. At an elderly age, it is usually difficult to cough or swallow well, which then raises the risks of infection.
Other factors increasing the risks of contracting this pneumonia are weak immunity that comes as a result of diabetes, cardiac arrest, age, and other health issues. Smoking, ventilator use or tubular feeding that may allow bacteria get into the lungs, drinking and poor hygiene are also predisposing factors. Besides, one is also exposed in the event that muscles, which aid swallowing, become weakened due to conditions such as stroke, Alzheimer disease, stroke and other diseases.
Generally, aspiration pneumonia causes inflammation of the lungs as well as bronchial tubes. Although this infection is not very common, it is possible to contract it. The infection is commonly caused by anaerobic bacteria. Also, viruses and fungi may also lead to pneumonia although not with aspiration. Although the immune system fights the invaders to prevent them from causing the infection, sometimes the germs may overpower your immune system. Generally, only air should enter the lungs under normal circumstances, but the infection may occur if anything is hindering the normal gag reflex.
While other people can effectively force out aspirated material by a strong cough, some cannot since their ability to cough is impaired. This is common in unconscious people or in individuals who have had injuries in the brain and therefore resulting in continuous decreased consciousness. Other people also aspirate saliva while asleep in the night but they do not get the infection because they are in a position to clear inspired saliva and they also have a strong 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.
Treating this infection generally depends on the severity. Your physician can initially administer some antibiotics as a first line of cure. Severe infections that are accompanied with trouble in swallowing may require one to stop the intake of liquid or food by mouth.
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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