How To Treat Aspiration Pneumonia

Aspiration pneumonia is a serious infection of the lungs that occurs as a result of an individual aspirating or inhaling liquid, food, or vomit down into the airways and lungs. Liquid or food already in an individual's stomach that regurgitates up their esophagus can aspirate into their lungs. Aspiration pneumonia develops when an individual is unable to cough up the substance aspirated into the lungs, and bacteria begins to colonize. This condition is most common among elderly individuals who reside in long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. Symptoms include wet or dry cough, pink or frothy sputum, fever, difficulty swallowing, rapid heartbeat, voice changes, appetite loss, blue fingertips, alterations in alertness, breathlessness, chest pain, and weight loss. Aspiration pneumonia is diagnosed using blood tests, sputum culture, CT scan, x-rays, barium swallow, and physical examination.